Disney voice actor Humpy Wheeler has died at the age of 86. As well as voicing Tex Dinoco in the Disney Pixar Cars franchise, Humpy was a legend on the Nascar scene. He was previously the longtime president of the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
His death was announced in a statement on Thursday (August 21), which revealed he died peacefully of natural causes. He had been surrounded by his beloved family at the time.
Humpy voiced Tex Dinoco in Cars and one of its sequels, Cars 3. Tex was a gold coloured Cadillac Coupe de Ville, with a memorable bullhorn nose.
(Image: Disney Pixar)
Aside from his brief Disney career, Humpy was an executive at Nascar.
He helped to revolutionise the brand over a period of 33 years.
The sporting icon also helped to transform the Charlotte Motor Speedway into a global racing destination during his years there.
Tributes have been pouring in for Humpy, including from Jim France, Nascar chairman and CEO.
Jim said: “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.”
(Image: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The tribute went on: “His efforts helped expand Nascar’s national footprint, cement Charlotte as a must-visit racing and entertainment complex.
“It recently earned him the Nascar Hall of Fame’s prestigious Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to Nascar.”
The award is given to those who have had a major impact on the racing sport.
Many Nascar fans also paid tribute, with one saying: “Did so much to bring more eyes and obviously helped building up Nascar as a money maker. I thank him primarily on creating a great experience for fans and getting butts in seats.
“You will be missed Humpy!”
Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
