<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE HEAFNER
TIRE GROUP, INC. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-30-2000
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-END>                               APR-01-2000
<CASH>                                          11,007
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  101,021
<ALLOWANCES>                                     2,921
<INVENTORY>                                    150,400
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               287,613
<PP&E>                                          67,682
<DEPRECIATION>                                  19,859
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 461,539
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          205,695
<BONDS>                                        161,205
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                           11,094
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                            53
<OTHER-SE>                                       7,603
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   461,539
<SALES>                                        254,428
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               254,428
<CGS>                                          188,747
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  253,239
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                  (577)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               5,829
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 (4,063)
<INCOME-TAX>                                    (1,152)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             (2,911)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    (2,911)
<EPS-BASIC>                                      (0.55)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (0.55)