|
Spec Miata Store
|
Contact UsSales/Service ~ David J. Wheeler ~ dave@advanced-autosports.com About Us  Advanced 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. 
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 |
Shopping Cart now in your cart 0 items