NASCAR’s always been about more than just cars tearing around the track. It’s a full-on experience, and nobody knew that better than H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler. The legendary promoter, who passed away at 86 just two days ago, turned race days into can’t-miss spectacles during his 33 years running Charlotte Motor Speedway. Humpy didn’t just sell tickets; he sold memories.

His pre-race shows were pure magic: think paratroopers dropping from the sky, jets buzzing so low you felt it in your bones, and wild stunts like a jet-powered school bus screaming down the straightaway. He even staged a mock military invasion with tanks once, just to make jaws drop.

Humpy’s big idea was simple: give fans a show that leaves them buzzing as much as the race itself. He wanted folks walking out saying, “I can’t believe I saw that and a NASCAR race.” Back in the ‘70s and ‘80s, his Charlotte events were like the Super Bowl of motorsports, sold-out crowds, crazy pre-race theatrics, even boxing matches in the infield. He earned the nickname “P.T. Barnum of motorsports” for a reason. His vision made NASCAR a national draw, setting the stage for the flyovers and driver intros we take for granted today.

When Humpy wasn’t dreaming up stunts, he was rethinking what a racetrack could be. Charlotte became a fan paradise under him, better seats, more concessions, and a vibe that screamed “this is an event.” His work helped NASCAR grow from a regional gig to a coast-to-coast phenomenon. Even after retiring in 2008, he stayed in the game, mentoring legends like Dale Earnhardt and helping launch the motorsports program at Belmont Abbey College.

At the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on August 23, Daytona paid tribute to Humpy in true Wheeler style. Right before the green flag, paratroopers dropped from choppers, landing dead-center on the frontstretch in a heart-pounding display. It was a nod to Humpy’s love for military flair and crowd-thrilling moments, turning the tri-oval into a stage. The crowd went wild, and with the playoff cutoff on the line, the night already felt electric.

Fans on X couldn’t stop raving. One nailed it: “Salute to Humpy Wheeler.” That paratrooper drop was pure Humpy, straight out of his playbook with the 82nd Airborne demos he loved, like the howitzer blast at Charlotte’s Coca-Cola 600. Another fan said, “If that wasn’t a Humpy inspired pre-race show, nothing is! We are eye level with them!” Daytona’s Fanzone lets fans stand right on the frontstretch, feeling the rush as parachutes hit the mark, a perfect echo of Humpy’s fan-first philosophy.

Another fan called it: “I’m guessing tribute to Humpy, good call.” With elite units like the U.S. Army Golden Knights nailing precise landings, it’s the kind of moment Humpy championed, patriotic, jaw-dropping, and right in front of the crowd. One summed it up best: “Humpy would be proud.” That frontstretch spectacle at Daytona’s high-stakes night race was everything he stood for, big, bold, and unforgettable. Fans left buzzing, just like Humpy always wanted.

Kevin Owens as Grand Marshal for Coke Zero Sugar 400

Daytona dropped a curveball for the Coke Zero Sugar 400, swapping WWE star Rey Mysterio for Kevin Owens as Grand Marshal. Fans of wrestling and NASCAR are losing it over this unexpected mash-up. Nobody’s spilling why Mysterio’s out, maybe a scheduling snag or just a call to switch up the vibe, but Owens is ready to bring the heat to this playoff-deciding race.

As Grand Marshal, Owens will lead the drivers onto the track, hype the crowd, and add some star power. He’ll stand by the pace car, wave to fans, and drop a quick speech, leaning on his WWE experience to work the Daytona masses. The guy’s no stranger to motorsports, he’s been to NASCAR races and gushed about the drivers’ skills on podcasts. His fandom makes this feel like a natural fit, not just a celebrity cameo.

Owens stepping in is a cool bridge between WWE’s high-octane drama and NASCAR’s high-speed stakes. With the paratrooper tribute to Humpy Wheeler already stealing the show, Owens as Grand Marshal adds another layer of excitement to a night where playoff dreams are made or broken. It’s the kind of crossover that’ll have fans, NASCAR diehards and wrestling buffs alike, talking long after the checkered flag.