Dave Wheeler - Go Kart Racer

Up Close & Personal With

Dave Wheeler - Go Kart Racer

Publication Date: August 1996

The announcer blares out to the racing fans at this year's running of the Daytona 500...move over Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt as we welcome the hottest new racer to the tracks...Dave... "Iceman"... Wheeler!!! That's what could be said at the year 2000 Daytona 500. But for now, Extremz Magazine would like to introduce you to Dave "Iceman" Wheeler, the hottest racer on the go-kart racing circuit.

Dave is a 15 year-old teenager born and raised in Mt. Washington, Kentucky. He is currently in third place and moving up in the go-kart racing circuit in points for national championship. Dave travels with his mother, Sandy, father, Ed, and girlfriend Stephanie each weekend to the Zenger race track in Bedford, Kentucky, where he has won the Falls City Kart Club series championship. Extremz recently got Dave to slow down for a few minutes and answer some questions about this hot sport.

How and when did you get involved with go-kart racing?

My dad and his family were involved in auto racing for years, so dad would take me with him. After going to see the Talladega 500, racing is all I could think about and I wanted to race. After following some of our friends to kart races, I started racing in October '94. It's a great way to get started in racing.

Who has been your biggest influence in racing?

My Dad! As he used to race, he knows what he's looking for on the track and only goes to win. If we don't win a race, I know we did the best we could that day. He's always trying to learn more as he is my coach.

What do you like best about go-kart racing?

The speeds, close competition, and winning...it's exciting!

What challenges do you face in go-kart racing?

Setting the chassis up has to be the most important assignment. It's the difference between winning and losing. The competition is so tough. After the chassis is set, you must stay focused and concentrate to drive a perfect line every lap of the entire race.

How often do you race and what tracks have you raced?

We try to race every weekend. It's the only way to continue learning and improving. We mainly race at Zenger Raceway Park, due to the points championship. However, I do enjoy racing at the Clay City Kartway. In the last month, we have gone to Indian Land, South Carolina and Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina to race against the WKA (World Karting Association) competition.

How does your family feel about your racing?

The whole family supports me 100 percent. It's great! It is a family sport...Dad works and puts together everything and concentrates on the kart at the track. Mom notes everything we do to the kart in a book and keeps my track times; she's the organizer of the team. Stephanie, my girlfriend, keeps the tire temperature readings and times the competition.

What school do you attend? What do your friends think about go-kart racing?

I will be a Sophomore at Bullitt East High School, where I take classes that apply to engineering. My friends think it's cool and exciting. They wish they could be racing.

We're aware that you are currently racing on a point circuit...How are you doing?

I did win the points Championship with Falls City Kart Club in Stock Lite, Stock Medium and the Horstman HPV classes at Zenger for 1996. I was in third place in the Zenger Championship Series before we left for Charlotte in Stock Lites and the Horstman HPV classes on the oval. On the road course, I was in fourth place in both Stock Lite and the Horstman HPV. It's OK to miss a race, because you get to take out 4 of the 14 point races and keep your best 10. So, I think we are having a respectable season so far.

What type of karts do you race? How do they differ?

I race 4 cycle Briggs & Stratton and the 2 cycle Horstman. With the 4 cycle, I race a Shadow 96 Express II on the asphalt oval. We have found it works great on the 1/5 mile ovals and up. On the dirt tracks I race the Stratos LTO 95, as it flexes more for dirt racing. I race a 95 E-Racer on the road course. With the 2 cycle Horstman HPV, we race the Invader chassis, which has very little flex and works great with the power of the 2 cycle engine.

What type of speeds do you average in a race and on what type of tracks?

I'm not real sure, but I think we're in the mid-60 MPH range on most 1/5 mile tracks like ZRP. Higher speeds on bigger tracks...I know it's fast and exciting.

Are you currently being sponsored by anyone?

Yes, but I am still looking for a major sponsor. I would like to say a special Thank You to grandma and grandpa Petty and grandpa Wheeler, who have helped me a lot. I have one engine I call Granny's, because she helped me pay for it. Mom and dad, of course, but I've been getting a lot of help from Mr. Yeager of Yeager Racing Engines. Better-All Transportation has helped with tires. Seat Cover Charlie and Southwest Glass & Upholstery Company have helped also...again, thanks to all of you.

Are you active in any other sports or activities?

No, not at this time; I just concentrate on racing and school.

What are your plans for the future, and do they involve racing?

To focus on school, college and racing. I hope I can move into sprint car racing in a couple of years and into stock cars after that. With an engineering degree, I hope to be involved in racing for a long time.

What type of advice would you give to someone who is thinking about getting into go-kart racing?

Before you go and buy a kart, follow the races and learn what is working and not working on the different tracks that you want to race, whether it be asphalt or dirt. Then only buy a new or used kart that is not over three years old. It cost more, but then you'll have top equipment to race.

Have you seen Extremz Magazine? What do you think of it?

Yes, I like it. It's exciting to read about all the different extreme sports. You guys cover all the sports that no one else covers. I think it's about time someone covers the sports that people are involved in, and not the million dollar person.

Dave has won the 1996 Fall City Kart Club's championship for all three classes; stock lite, stock medium, and horstman (HPV) 2 cycle. He will continue to try and win the Zenger Championship Series up through November 2nd. So far for this year Dave has had 12 wins out of 49 races, with 36 top 5 finishes.