Dave “Black Rat” Haferkorn is a name synonymous with Figure 8 racing at Slinger Speedway. A champion multiple times over and a Slinger Speedway Wall of Famer, Haferkorn’s career is a testament to skill, determination, and a deep understanding of his machines. While fans cheer for the speed and daring maneuvers on the track, a crucial element often goes unnoticed: the relentless work of auto repair and maintenance that keeps these racing machines roaring. Haferkorn’s story, deeply rooted in hands-on work and mechanical know-how, highlights just how vital auto repair is to the world of racing.
Haferkorn’s journey into racing began not just behind the wheel, but in the pit crew. “In probably 1978 I started going to Hales Corners. I helped pit crew for Rick Anderson, Mike Cayton, and Mike Egan,” he recalls. This early immersion in the mechanics of racing was formative. He wasn’t just observing; he was learning the nuts and bolts, literally, of keeping a race car in peak condition. This hands-on experience paved the way for his own racing career, starting with a Spectator car and then his iconic Figure 8 cars.
The decision to move to Figure 8 racing was pragmatic, driven by the economics of the sport. “[Why Figure 8?] Because they actually paid the most money for the investment you had.” This practical approach extended to his approach to his race cars. Haferkorn wasn’t just a driver; he was his own chief mechanic for the most part. “I did 90% of the work myself; I believed if I couldn’t do the work myself, I wasn’t going to do it.” This DIY ethos underscores a core truth in racing: understanding and maintaining your vehicle is as crucial as driving skill.
This dedication to self-reliance in auto repair stems from Haferkorn’s professional background. Before dedicating himself fully to racing and his current self-employment, he honed his skills as a machinist. “I used to be a one-man machine shop for an elevator company and now I’m self-employed and do that one-man machine shop for all the elevator companies around the Milwaukee metro area. I build and repair obsolete elevator parts and fix stuff that looks good on paper.” This expertise in fabrication and repair wasn’t confined to elevators; it translated directly to his racing endeavors. He could build, modify, and crucially, repair his race cars, giving him a significant edge.
Sponsorship plays a vital role in racing, and Haferkorn’s sponsors further highlight the importance of auto-related businesses in the sport. His very first sponsor, Otto Ambulance, a tow truck company at Slinger, was intimately connected to the aftermath of racing incidents – the breakdowns and crashes that necessitate repair. Another key early sponsor, “The Brake Shop,” provided him with used tires and access to tire machines. This relationship with an auto repair shop was invaluable, providing essential resources for a racer on the rise. These sponsorships weren’t just financial; they were about access to parts, expertise, and the network of auto professionals that underpins the racing world.
While the article doesn’t explicitly mention “D and D Auto Repair on Speedway,” understanding the landscape of auto repair shops around speedways is important for any racer or racing enthusiast. Just as “The Brake Shop” supported Haferkorn, numerous auto repair businesses often thrive near racing venues, catering to both everyday drivers and the specialized needs of racers. These shops, whether it’s a local name or a larger entity, become crucial hubs for maintenance, repairs, and even custom modifications that are part and parcel of the racing lifestyle. For someone asking “who owns d and d auto repair on speedway,” they are likely seeking a reliable auto repair service, and for racers, finding a trustworthy shop is paramount.
Haferkorn’s racing career is filled with memorable wins and moments, but behind each victory was countless hours of preparation and repair. He built his cars, maintained them, and fixed them after the inevitable wear and tear of racing. His story isn’t just about driving fast; it’s about the comprehensive effort, including the often-unsung hero of auto repair, that makes racing possible. From his early days in the pit crew to becoming a champion, Dave “Black Rat” Haferkorn embodies the spirit of racing, a spirit deeply intertwined with mechanical skill and a profound appreciation for the art and necessity of auto repair.
