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Autosports was founded in 1997 by Dave Wheeler, a Master
Mechanic with over a quarter century of real-world experience.
After two years of working from his garage, Dave opened his
first race shop in Wauconda, Illinois a 3,000sf facility.
In 2005, Dave purchased his first shop in Beloit, Wisconsin, a
12,000sf facility to better suit his customers. This facility
has a fully stocked showroom, in-house custom vinyl graphics and
plenty of room for a top-notch race shop.
Dave started
his racing career in 1988 while working for a local Pro Formula
Atlantic team. There he learned the importance of doing things
right or not at all. Following a two year stint with a multi-car
Formula Ford team Dave decided to try driving himself. In 1991 a
Mercury Capri was purchased. Subsequently the Capri was
replaced by a 1981 Ford Mustang Notchback, which was campaigned
locally from 1993 to 2001. Multiple race wins and championships
followed. In the fall of 2000 a proposal was brought to
Midwestern Council of Sports Car Clubs for a Spec Miata (SM)
class.
Dave was
hooked and became one of the early adaptors and class champions.
A Spec Miata racer was subsequently built in April 2001. That
was followed by two race wins, including a six (6) hour enduro.
During the final race of the year at BFR Dave set the Spec Miata
track record, which stood for over a year. During the summer of
1993 Dave started working on Trans-Am series cars. He started
working with Mitch Benders, Pace Trailers Camaro, and a long
time association with these fantastic machines then grew. In
1994 Dave started working with Orion Motorsports and its’ driver
Bruce Nesbitt. After Bruce purchased the ex-Tommy Kendall Roush
Racing AllSport car, Dave became the Crew Chief.
The 2000
Rolex season saw Bruce and the Orion Motorsports team competing
in the Grand American Sports car series. Competing in the AGT
class the team earned two pole positions and numerous podium
finishes. The team continued in Grand-Am during 2001, a partial
schedule allowed for only two races with the DuPont Teflon
sponsorship.
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Dave's 1st Spec
Miata |
Dave's Current
Spec Miata |
Over the
years Dave has worked on everything from IT (Improved Touring)
to IRL, Formula Ford, Trans AM, and Ferrari challenge cars. He
has supported race teams from the local short tracks to Road
America, Mid-Ohio and the high banks of Daytona.
“Until you
get to the very top drivers, reliability is the most important
thing. Most of us race for the joy of it. Seat time will make
the driver faster which makes the car faster. Safety must never
be compromised. Remember, Racing is supposed to be fun!”
~ David J.
Wheeler |
