Humpy Wheeler dead: Disney star dies as tributes from devastated fans pour in

NASCAR legend Humpy Wheeler, who appeared in two Disney films, has died at the age of 86. Best known as the longtime president of the Charlotte Motor Speedway, Wheeler was an executive at NASCAR and also worked in stock car racing and IndyCar. Over the years, he earned the nickname of 'the PT Barnum of NASCAR' - but also had a career in Hollywood.

In 2006, Wheeler voiced Tex - a Cadillac Coupe de Ville - in animated Pixar film Cars, alongside Owen Wilson. Tex was the boss of fictional motor racing sponsor Dinoco, a role he reprised in 2017 release Cars 3. He was awarded the voice acting role when director John Lasseter visited the Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2000 for a race and loved his voice.

A statement confirmed Humpy died of "natural causes" surrounded by his family on Wednesday (August 20).

NASCAR chairman Jim France said of his death: "Humpy Wheeler was a visionary whose name became synonymous with promotion and innovation in our sport. During his decades leading Charlotte Motor Speedway, Humpy transformed the fan experience through his creativity, bold ideas and tireless passion. His efforts helped expand NASCAR's national footprint, cement Charlotte as a must-visit racing and entertainment complex."

Wheeler landed his own TV show in 2008, launching The Humpy Show on the Speed Channel. Sadly the series only ever aired one episode. He also popped up in an episode of American Pickers, donating items from his personal NASCAR collection to be restored on the programme.

Tributes have been flooding in from fans online, with one writing: "RIP legend!"

"Humpy Wheeler wasn't just part of racing - he shaped it. His vision, passion and love for the sport will keep the engines roaring for generations. Humpy Forever!" another penned.

Someone else wrote: "Humpy Wheeler was a great man who helped a lot of drivers and the sport grow, so sad to hear of his passing."