Wheeler’s affection for the Hudson goes back to the early 1960s. After graduating from the University of South Carolina, the Belmont native began operating Robinwood Speedway in Gastonia.

• Records: Wheeler 7-3, Hudson 6-0. This story was originally published December 28, 2012, 8:12 PM. Get one year of unlimited digital access for $159.99 #ReadLocal.

That character – Doc Hudson – was voiced by Paul Newman. Wheeler also appeared in the movie as the voice of Tex Dinoco, a 1975 Cadillac Coupe de Ville.