Motorsport

July 21, 2026 By radefolaju Leave a Comment

Motorsport Management Program Presents at Symposium 2025

Two members of the Belmont Abbey College Motorsport Program recently presented at the Argetsinger Symposium. This annual event is the product of the International Motor Racing Research Center partnering with the Society of Automotive Historians.

Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Motorsport Management Program at Belmont Abbey College, Quinn Beekwilder‘s presentation was titled “Advancing Motorsport History Education at Belmont Abbey College.” You can watch his full presentation by clicking here.

In addition to Professor Beekwilder, current BAC Motorsport Management student, Lucas Laager, presented on “The Evolving Relationship Between Motorsports and Its Fans.” You can watch his full presentation by clicking here.

August 21, 2025 By radefolaju Leave a Comment

Remembering Humpy Wheeler, Jr.

Belmont Abbey College Remembers Humpy Wheeler, Jr., Racing Icon and Beloved Alumnus

Belmont Abbey College expresses deep sorrow over the passing of Howard “Humpy” Wheeler, Jr., a devoted supporter and beloved friend of the college. A native of Belmont and alumnus of the Abbey’s Preparatory School, Wheeler played a pivotal role in founding the college’s renowned Motorsport Management program in 2007.

Wheeler’s contributions to Belmont Abbey were multifaceted. He served two terms on the Board of Trustees, offering invaluable leadership and insight. In recognition of his outstanding service, the Abbey awarded him both the Grace Award and the Sport at the Service of the Spirit Award. In 2008, the college inducted him into the Alumni Wall of Fame. He received an honorary degree from the college in 2019 in recognition of his outstanding contributions. Throughout his life and career, Wheeler’s deep connection to Belmont Abbey and the Benedictine tradition remained evident—not only through his own unfailing service but also through the legacy of two of his children, who followed in his footsteps as Abbey alumni.

Dr. Joseph Wysocki, Belmont Abbey’s Interim President, remarked, “Humpy Wheeler’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark on our college community. As an alumnus, trustee, and generous benefactor, he demonstrated an enduring commitment to the Abbey and its mission. His leadership helped shape the direction of the college, and his support opened doors for countless students. Humpy believed in forming not just professionals, but principled leaders—and his impact will continue to be felt through the lives of the alumni and students he championed so passionately.”

In 2007, Wheeler encouraged the then-President of Belmont Abbey College, Dr. Bill Thierfelder, to begin a Motorsport Management program. Patti Wheeler ‘86, his daughter, and Humpy guided the development of the program, which has remained at the forefront of motorsport education, blending academic rigor with strong industry connections. For nearly two decades, it has been one of the few programs in the nation, producing accomplished alumni who now hold key positions in racing at organizations such as NASCAR, numerous racing teams, tracks, and racing support organizations. In Fall 2025, the college expanded the program’s impact by launching the nation’s only Master of Arts in Motorsport Management, further strengthening its leadership in the field.

Dr. Trey Cunningham, Chair of the Motorsport Management program, highlighted Wheeler’s impact: “Humpy was instrumental in shaping the lives of young adults aspiring to enter the motorsport industry. His vision was to create a pathway for students to turn their passion for racing into a profession, and that vision has become a reality for so many. Through his industry insight, storytelling, and unwavering support, Humpy inspired confidence and ambition in everyone he met. His legacy is the foundation of our program, and it will continue to drive our students forward for generations to come.”

Wheeler’s legacy extends well beyond Belmont Abbey College. As the former president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, he was renowned for his innovative promotions and contributions to the motorsports industry. His efforts earned him inductions into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 2004 and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2006. In January 2026, he will be honored with the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR during the induction of the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B., reflected on Wheeler’s lasting relationship with the Abbey, “Humpy and Pat Wheeler have been personal friends as well as generous benefactors of Belmont Abbey and Belmont Abbey College and many other worthy causes. Humpy grew up on the abbey campus and always remembered his roots here. He enjoyed an amazing and happy life and was blessed with a beautiful marriage and family. He was the entrepreneur’s entrepreneur. I can imagine he is advising God about some new extravaganza to liven up heaven!”

Belmont Abbey College has been blessed by Humpy Wheeler’s enduring support and guidance. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of students, faculty, and alumni.

The funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, August 26, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Gabriel Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations be made in Wheeler’s name to the Belmont Abbey College Motorsports Management Program. Visit bac.edu/futurestars to learn about how you can make a memorial gift in remembrance of Humpy.

For the official statement from the Charlotte Motor Speedway, please click here.

Students on Abbey Lane with Humpy Wheeler

December 3, 2024 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Belmont Abbey College Welcomes Alums as Faculty for New Graduate Motorsport Management Program

Belmont Abbey College Welcomes Alums as Faculty for New Graduate Motorsport Management Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Belmont, N.C. (December 3, 2024) – Belmont Abbey College is thrilled to announce the return of two highly accomplished undergraduate alumni who will join the faculty as professors in the newly launched Master of Arts (MA) in Motorsport Management degree program—the only one of its kind in the United States. With their extensive experience and national recognition in the field, these accomplished individuals will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the program.

The Master of Arts in Motorsport Management program at Belmont Abbey College is designed to equip students with advanced skills and knowledge to excel in the fast-paced and competitive motorsport industry. With the addition of these accomplished alumni as faculty members, students will have the unique opportunity to learn from industry experts who have achieved remarkable success in their careers. Dr. Trey Cunningham, Program Director of the MA in Motorsport Management at Belmont Abbey College, expressed his excitement about the return of these esteemed alumni. He stated, “We are delighted to welcome back our talented graduates who have excelled in the motorsport industry. Their success and dedication will undoubtedly inspire our students and contribute to the growth and development of our Motorsport Management program.”

One of the returning alumni, Mike Laheta, graduated from Belmont Abbey College with a Bachelor of Arts in Business, specializing in Motorsports. He has since achieved remarkable success in the motorsports industry, holding key positions such as leading partnerships for Front Row Motorsports and the NASCAR Hall of Fame before serving as Managing Director of National Partnership Sales at NASCAR, and, most recently, Senior Vice President and Head of Partnerships at Thrill One Sports and Entertainment. Laheta has earned national recognition for his exceptional contributions to the field. He shared his enthusiasm for joining the faculty, saying, “I am honored to have the opportunity to give back to the institution that provided me with a solid foundation for my career. I look forward to sharing my experiences and helping students navigate the dynamic world of motorsports.”

The second alumnus, Quinn Beekwilder, also graduated from Belmont Abbey College with a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management and has made significant contributions to the motorsport industry with his experience at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and then has worked as the Coordinator of the Abbey’s Motorsport Management Undergraduate program since 2020. He expressed his excitement for the new MA in Motorsport Management, stating, “Belmont Abbey College holds a special place in my heart, and I am absolutely thrilled about the launch of the Master of Arts in Motorsport Management program, the first of its kind in the United States! We’re equipping the next generation of leaders for this dynamic industry.”

Belmont Abbey College is excited to welcome back Mike Laheta and Quinn Beekwilder as faculty members for the Master of Arts in Motorsport Management program. Their expertise will enrich the student experience and bolster the college’s position as a leader in motorsport education. The program will also expand with more motorsport industry professionals in the future.

Belmont Abbey College is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2025 semester while the Master of Arts in Motorsport Management awaits final approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Apply here. For more information about the Master of Arts in Motorsport Management program at Belmont Abbey College, click here.

Press Inquiry Contact:

Sarah Bolton, Belmont Abbey Collegee, sarahbolton@bac.edu or 704-461-7016.

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November 25, 2024 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Belmont Abbey College Launches New Master of Arts in Motorsport Management Degree

Belmont Abbey College Launches New Master of Arts in Motorsport Management Degree

Belmont, N.C. (November 25, 2024) – Today Belmont Abbey College announces the launch of its groundbreaking online Master of Arts (MA) in Motorsport Management program. This innovative graduate degree is the first of its kind in the United States, solidifying Belmont Abbey College’s position as a leader in motorsports education who pioneered an undergraduate motorsport program in 2007. The college will welcome its inaugural MA in Motorsport Management cohort in the Fall of 2025.

Recognizing the growing need for specialized education in motorsports, Belmont Abbey College has developed an advanced curriculum that combines high-level business management principles with an in-depth understanding of the motorsports industry. The program will provide students with the technical, interpersonal, and strategic skills necessary for leadership roles in this dynamic field. The MA in Motorsport Management will prepare graduates for diverse careers in marketing, team management, finance, and community relations, while offering critical insights into governance, legal frameworks, and organizational operations within the motorsports world. By offering this innovative online program, Belmont Abbey College extends the reach of motorsports management education beyond the Charlotte area, making it accessible to students nationwide.

“We are thrilled to offer this one-of-a-kind graduate program that combines our passion for education with the excitement of motorsport,” said Dr. Joseph Wysocki, Provost of Belmont Abbey College. “By providing students with specialized knowledge and hands-on experience, we aim to cultivate a new generation of motorsport professionals who will contribute to the growth and success of the industry.”

Belmont Abbey College’s new MA in Motorsport Management will meet the growing demand for leading professionals in the motorsport industry. As the only graduate program of its kind in the United States, it offers students a competitive advantage in pursuing successful careers in this exciting field.

According to Dr. Trey Cunningham, Program Director of the MA in Motorsport Management at Belmont Abbey College, “The Master of Arts in Motorsport Management degree is designed to prepare students for a wide range of careers in the motorsports industry, including sponsorship, team management, event coordination, media, and marketing. Our incredible faculty, who bring valuable real-world experience in the field of motorsports, will provide students with the tools they need to succeed in this highly competitive industry.” Belmont Abbey’s location in the heart of motorsports country provides students with unparalleled access to industry professionals and networking opportunities.

Designed for working professionals, the MA in Motorsport Management is affordable, asynchronous, and fully online, allowing students to complete the program in as little as 12 months. Graduates will be well-positioned for roles such as Motorsport Team Manager, Sponsorship Coordinator, Track Operations Manager, Data Analyst, and Risk Management Specialist, among others. For more information about this program, click here.

Press Inquiry Contact:

Sarah Bolton, Belmont Abbey Collegee, sarahbolton@bac.edu or 704-461-7016.

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August 14, 2024 By radefolaju Leave a Comment

Patti Wheeler: Motorsports Pioneer

Motorsports broadcasting pioneer Patti Wheeler ’86 shares an inside look at the industry, the legendary Wheeler family, and the challenge of being a woman in a male-dominated field. Learn how her Abbey experience led to a groundbreaking career that has paved the way for generations of motorsports professionals.

Patti was recently featured in our Belmont Abbey Magazine. Read the full magazine.

Watch her Interview.