Humpy wheeler biography

by Tom Higgins

The country preacher was delivering a "hellfire and brimstone" sermon to his congregation on May 27, 1984 at a small church about two miles from the race track then known as Charlotte Motor Speedway.

"Lord," yelled the minister, "if everything I've said is true, please give us a sign!"

At this moment a loud explosion thundered over the area, creating such a concussion that the steeple shook and the windows rattled.

The story goes that the frightened flock spoke in tongues for two days.

However, the big boom wasn't heaven-sent.

It was triggered by artillerymen of the U.S.

Army's 82nd Airborne Division from Ft. Bragg, N.C., reenacting the invasion of Grenada the previous October. The paratroopers had fired a howitzer as part of a pre-race show leading to the Coca-Cola 600.

Trace the incident to H.A.

"Humpy" Wheeler, who for 33 years, starting in 1975, served as general manager and president at the track now known as Lowe's Motor Speedway.

During this tenure, W