Three almost awake BMC members got up before the chickens to depart Burger King at 6am in order to maximize the experience for the 8am on-track action at Barber. We headed up US 231 through long shadows and occasional light fog to Vincent, then onto AL 25 to Barber Motorsports Park with not a single proper British car between us. Excellent motoring nonetheless — at least until a 30 MPH pickup truck escorted us over the second of Oak Mountain’s twin ridges.
Upon arrival at the track, we learned that you don’t purchase tickets at the ticket window — not for this event. You pay and sign the waiver from the comfort of your car at the entrance with apparently a $3.00 surcharge for day of purchases. Still, a bargain at $18.00 that includes visits to the paddock for up close looks at the race cars.
I was a little late to the Car Corral where local sports car clubs had their rides on display so I suspect some may have already left. [PHOTOS]
If you think a beautifully groomed and equipped sports car road course is out of place in NASCAR dominated Alabama, you may also be surprised that the course marshals are staffed by “Flagging By Faynisha, L.L.C.” based in Albertville. Barber’s has a complete fleet of emergency vehicles. We’re happy to report that the ambulance was on hand but not needed, but the tow truck and roll-back drivers earned their pay as did the oil-dry spreader and track sweeper trucks. One of the 911’s rods & pistons grew weary of being confined inside the block and crankcase and liberated themselves right in front of us. Another 911 was tagged from being on the start-finish straight and crashed into the wall. Aside from these and a few other normal breakdowns, all of the races were hotly contested but fair and safe. We are indeed fortunate to have this in our back yard.
Russell
Official Entry List by Alpha
Official Entry List by Group
HSR Barber Historics Timing & Scoring