BELMONT, N.C. — Legendary auto racing promoter H.A. ‘Humpy’ Wheeler will be given an honorary doctorate by Belmont Abbey College Saturday during commencement ceremonies.
Although he graduated from the University of South Carolina, Wheeler has close ties with the Abbey and has been a prolific donor to the school through the years.
He also previously served on the Belmont Abbey board of trustees.
“I am humbled by this honor. The Abbey is one of the best small schools in our nation,” Wheeler said.
Considered one of the best promoters in the history of racing, Wheeler is a member of 14 halls of fame, including the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, and the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.
He was honored four years ago as a Pioneer of American Sports and has been awarded various ways by three North Carolina governors, including membership in the state’s Long Leaf Pine.
Wheeler went to the now-closed Belmont Abbey prep school before transferring to Charlotte Catholic where he earned a football scholarship to South Carolina. He was also a prolific amateur boxer with many Golden Gloves championships and a 40-2 record, earning him an early induction into the Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame.