CONCORD, N.C. -- Humpy Wheeler is stepping down as president and general manager of Lowe's Motor Speedway, ending a 33-year career as one of NASCAR's top promoters.

Wheeler announced his retirement this morning. He'll step down after Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 at the suburban Charlotte track.

No replacement was selected for the 69-year-old Wheeler, who plans to write a book and do commentary.

Wheeler had a flare for the dramatic, routinely holding news conferences with magicians, dogs and other props. But Wheeler was also behind several of the sports innovations.

Lowe's Motor Speedway was first track to hold a night race in NASCAR's top series and sign a naming rights deal.

-- The Associated Press