FILE - Lowe's Motor Speedway president H.A. 'Humpy' Wheeler addresses fans at the track prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Coca-Cola 600 auto race at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., May 25, 2008. Wheeler retired after the race. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, file)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Humpy Wheeler, a pioneering motorsports promoter and former president of Charlotte Motor Speedway, has died at 86.

NASCAR announced his passing on Wednesday, stating he died of natural causes surrounded by family. Known as the “P.T. Barnum of motorsports,” Wheeler was celebrated for his innovative approach to fan experiences.

He transformed Charlotte Motor Speedway into a must-visit racing and entertainment complex. Earlier this year, Wheeler was named the winner of NASCAR’s Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions and was set to be inducted into the Hall of Fame next year.

Elsewhere in sports:

– Nick Kyrgios withdrew from the U.S. Open on Thursday, the third straight year the Australian has missed the last Grand Slam tournament of the season. Kyrgios has battled injuries in recent years and had missed most of the 2023 and 2024 seasons before trying to return this year. After undergoing wrist and knee surgeries, he came back to play in the Australian Open, but lost in the first round.