MOTORSPORT AMERICA PHOTOS OF THE 21st ANNUAL BARBER VINTAGE FESTIVAL

Barber Vintage Festival at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama

MOTORSPORT AMERICA PHOTOS by FRED HANYON and GREG McWILLIAMS

 

Motorcyclists from across the nation and around the world converged on Barber Motorsports Park and the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum on Friday, October 9, through Sunday, over the Columbus Day weekend for the 21st annual Barber Vintage Festival.

This year’s festival carried special meaning as Barber Motorsports Park celebrated the life and legacy of park and museum founder George W. Barber, as well as the motorsports community that has flourished through his vision. Barber, 85, died following a brief illness on Sunday, February 15.

Known for its breathtaking landscaping and whimsical art, the 880-acre park hosts many events each year, including the “Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix” and “MotoAmerica Superbikes at Barber”, as well as the “GT World Alabama”, the Barber Vintage Festival however, is the culmination of Barber’s dream.

Barber won 63 races as a driver, and contests of speed and skill are integral to the three-day weekend. AHRMA road racing takes place on the 17-turn, 2.38-mile road course, with cross-country, motocross, and trials competitions at designated areas throughout the park, and flat track at the nearby Talladega Short Track.

Last year, nearly 400 vendors participated in one of the largest vintage motorcycle swap meets in the country. A short walk from the front doors of the museum, the always well-attended gathering promises rare machinery, difficult-to-find parts, and historic memorabilia.

Inside the museum, home to the world’s largest motorcycle collection and one of the greatest displays of Lotus race cars, visitors can take in historical seminars and new exhibitions. The celebration continues into the night with “Motorcycles by Moonlight,” our annual gala.

“Barber Vintage Festival is the realization of George Barber’s vision to create a world-class gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts,” said Brian Case, executive director of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. “As we honor his life and legacy, we celebrate the global community of collectors, fans, and riders who continue to bring that vision to life.”

 

Motorsport America Photos by Fred Hanyon and Greg McWilliams