1 Exhibit 12.1 HEAFNER TIRE GROUP, INC. Statement Regarding: Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends (Amounts in thousands, except ratio amounts) Three months Three months Nine Months Nine Months Ended Ended Ended Ended September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, 1999 1998 1999 1998 (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- Consolidated pretax income (loss) from continuing operations (2,844) 478 (2,846) (1,797) Interest 5,622 4,248 16,310 8,745 Interest portion of rent expense 2,267 2,151 6,770 4,461 Preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned subsidiaries -- -- -- -- ------ ----- ------- ------- EARNINGS 5,045 6,877 20,234 11,409 ====== ===== ======= ======= Interest 5,622 4,248 16,310 8,745 Interest portion of rent expense 2,267 2,151 6,770 4,461 Preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned subsidiaries -- -- -- -- ------ ----- ------- ------- FIXED CHARGES 7,889 6,399 23,080 13,206 ====== ===== ======= ======= RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES -- 1.07 -- -- ====== ===== ======= =======