Dwayne
08-25-2008, 03:32 PM
Gastonia, NC - One of Gaston County, NC favorite sons is set for a return trip to his old stomping grounds. H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler will be honored at Carolina Speedway on Friday Night September 5th as the inaugural inductee into the Carolina Speedway hall of fame. The Belmont, NC native will be the guest of honor during the inaugural 'Hall of Fame 50' event.. The 50 lap Carolina Clash Super Late Model feature will pay $5,000 to win. "I promoted there in 1963 with R.P. Harrison Jr, who built it," said Humpy Wheeler. "Some of the drivers that raced there were Bob and Doug Cooper, Bobby Ginn, Harold Dunaway, Joe Dimeo, Ervin Carpenter, Bryant Wallace, Jim and Tom Vandiver, Jungle Boy Lane and Preston Humphries. I had to do just about everything, write press releases, prepare the track, get the change, deal with drivers and fans, park cars, whatever it took.I would give nothing for all that." The event will be the third round of the Carolina Clash 'Countdown to the Cup Championship Series'. This is a six race end of year championship series that will determine who collects the $12,500 top prize. "To say that we are honored is an understatement," said Carolina Speedway Promoter Clint Elkins. "We want to honor Mr. Wheeler not only his accomplishments at Carolina Speedway but for what he has done for racing in general. His creativity, ingenuity and vision are remarkable and to have him back at Carolina Speedway is an honor for all of us involved." Many of the lessons learned at the grass roots level are what made Wheeler's career so successful. "Short track operations was the backbone of my learning," said Wheeler. " I could not have ran Charlotte nearly as well without the short track experience. I think every superspeedway operator would be much better if he ran a short track. I promoted races at Newberry, SC, Hickory, Gastonia, Monroe, Charlotte, etc. It was hard work but a lot of fun," said the member of seven motorsports Hall of Fames. "I particularly like the Gaston County fans. They are hard core racers and Carolina Speedway is one of the best dirt tracks in the East." This will be the first of an annual Hall of Fame race that will induct one individual each season. A special garden is being constructed in front of the main grandstand entrance to honor the select few. "I am elated at being the inaugural inductee, said Wheeler. "It is a great honor and privilege for me." The gates will be open at 5:00 PM with racing at 8:00 PM. To learn more about Carolina Speedway and the inaugural 'Hall of Fame 50' visit www.carolinaspeedway.net or www.carolinaclash.com September 5thMonday, August 25, 2008 10:45 AM
From: "Carolina Clash" One of Gaston County, NC favorite sons is set for a return trip to his old stomping grounds. H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler will be honored at Carolina Speedway on Friday Night September 5th as the inaugural inductee into the Carolina Speedway hall of fame. The Belmont, NC native will be the guest of honor during the inaugural 'Hall of Fame 50' event.. The 50 lap Carolina Clash Super Late Model feature will pay $5,000 to win. "I promoted there in 1963 with R.P. Harrison Jr, who built it," said Humpy Wheeler. "Some of the drivers that raced there were Bob and Doug Cooper, Bobby Ginn, Harold Dunaway, Joe Dimeo, Ervin Carpenter, Bryant Wallace, Jim and Tom Vandiver, Jungle Boy Lane and Preston Humphries. I had to do just about everything, write press releases, prepare the track, get the change, deal with drivers and fans, park cars, whatever it took.I would give nothing for all that." The event will be the third round of the Carolina Clash 'Countdown to the Cup Championship Series'. This is a six race end of year championship series that will determine who collects the $12,500 top prize. "To say that we are honored is an understatement," said Carolina Speedway Promoter Clint Elkins. "We want to honor Mr. Wheeler not only his accomplishments at Carolina Speedway but for what he has done for racing in general. His creativity, ingenuity and vision are remarkable and to have him back at Carolina Speedway is an honor for all of us involved." Many of the lessons learned at the grass roots level are what made Wheeler's career so successful. "Short track operations was the backbone of my learning," said Wheeler. " I could not have ran Charlotte nearly as well without the short track experience. I think every superspeedway operator would be much better if he ran a short track. I promoted races at Newberry, SC, Hickory, Gastonia, Monroe, Charlotte, etc. It was hard work but a lot of fun," said the member of seven motorsports Hall of Fames. "I particularly like the Gaston County fans. They are hard core racers and Carolina Speedway is one of the best dirt tracks in the East." This will be the first of an annual Hall of Fame race that will induct one individual each season. A special garden is being constructed in front of the main grandstand entrance to honor the select few. "I am elated at being the inaugural inductee, said Wheeler. "It is a great honor and privilege for me." The gates will be open at 5:00 PM with racing at 8:00 PM. To learn more about Carolina Speedway and the inaugural 'Hall of Fame 50' visit www.carolinaspeedway.net or www.carolinaclash.com
From: "Carolina Clash" One of Gaston County, NC favorite sons is set for a return trip to his old stomping grounds. H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler will be honored at Carolina Speedway on Friday Night September 5th as the inaugural inductee into the Carolina Speedway hall of fame. The Belmont, NC native will be the guest of honor during the inaugural 'Hall of Fame 50' event.. The 50 lap Carolina Clash Super Late Model feature will pay $5,000 to win. "I promoted there in 1963 with R.P. Harrison Jr, who built it," said Humpy Wheeler. "Some of the drivers that raced there were Bob and Doug Cooper, Bobby Ginn, Harold Dunaway, Joe Dimeo, Ervin Carpenter, Bryant Wallace, Jim and Tom Vandiver, Jungle Boy Lane and Preston Humphries. I had to do just about everything, write press releases, prepare the track, get the change, deal with drivers and fans, park cars, whatever it took.I would give nothing for all that." The event will be the third round of the Carolina Clash 'Countdown to the Cup Championship Series'. This is a six race end of year championship series that will determine who collects the $12,500 top prize. "To say that we are honored is an understatement," said Carolina Speedway Promoter Clint Elkins. "We want to honor Mr. Wheeler not only his accomplishments at Carolina Speedway but for what he has done for racing in general. His creativity, ingenuity and vision are remarkable and to have him back at Carolina Speedway is an honor for all of us involved." Many of the lessons learned at the grass roots level are what made Wheeler's career so successful. "Short track operations was the backbone of my learning," said Wheeler. " I could not have ran Charlotte nearly as well without the short track experience. I think every superspeedway operator would be much better if he ran a short track. I promoted races at Newberry, SC, Hickory, Gastonia, Monroe, Charlotte, etc. It was hard work but a lot of fun," said the member of seven motorsports Hall of Fames. "I particularly like the Gaston County fans. They are hard core racers and Carolina Speedway is one of the best dirt tracks in the East." This will be the first of an annual Hall of Fame race that will induct one individual each season. A special garden is being constructed in front of the main grandstand entrance to honor the select few. "I am elated at being the inaugural inductee, said Wheeler. "It is a great honor and privilege for me." The gates will be open at 5:00 PM with racing at 8:00 PM. To learn more about Carolina Speedway and the inaugural 'Hall of Fame 50' visit www.carolinaspeedway.net or www.carolinaclash.com