21ST ANNUAL BARBER VINTAGE FESTIVAL DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF FOUNDER AND VISIONARY GEORGE W. BARBER
Motorcyclists from across the nation and around the world will converge on Barber Motorsports Park and the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum on Friday, October 9, through Sunday, October 11, for the 21st annual Barber Vintage Festival.
This year’s festival carries special meaning as we celebrate 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.” 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.
BMW Motorrad Days Americas, Isle of Triumph, manufacturer demo rides, and new-product reveals, plus gravity-defying stunt shows, a kids’ zone, live music, and the ever-popular “Wall of Death,” are a few of the other attractions planned for festival attendees.
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.”
Tickets are now on sale. Children 15 years of age and under are free with a paying adult. BMW Motorrad USA, Law Tigers Motorcycle Lawyers, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Triumph Motorcycles, Mecum Auctions, and Papa Johns are the official partners.
Connect With Us
“One day we were in the canyons, and I saw a girl on a Honda NC35 ripping down the mountain. I was like, ‘Why am I on the back of this motorcycle?’ And that was where it all started for me.”
@mp13racing One Cure Racing Team Owner @melissaparis13 is joined by @motoamerica Twins Cup racer @sonya.b.lloyd and former @royalenfield @build.train.race competitor@theiscycle for an in-depth conversation about women in motorsports with Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum Education Programs Manager @lizjohnson423.
Follow the “Women In Motorsports” Linktr.ee link in our bio to watch the seminar recorded in the Barber Advanced Design Center at the 21st annual Barber Vintage Festival.
Photo: @wes.sparks.photo
#BarberVintageFestival #BarberMuseum #BarberMotorsportsPark #MotoAmerica
Nov 1
Behind the scenes: AHRMA’s “Legacy Laps” were originally scheduled for Saturday, October 10, smack-dab in the middle of the 21st annual Barber Vintage Festival. Unfortunately, Hurricane Isaias had other plans. With quick thinking, the event was rescheduled for Friday afternoon, and it went off without a hitch.
Brian Case led the George Barber tribute portion of this magical mechanical moment in John Surtees’ Ferrari 158 cloaked in NART livery. Lee Clark followed behind the wheel of Barber’s Brabham BT8, with Stephen Mathews aboard his Barber’s Dairy Matchless G50 and Chuck Huneycutt on Mathews’ title-winning Ducati 750 Sport.
MotoGP Legends Kenny Roberts, Kenny Roberts Jr., and Kevin Schwantz also took part, hustling their way around the Barber Motorsports Park road course on an ex-Surtees MV Agusta 500 Four, a Honda five-cylinder-powered Team Roberts KR211V, and a 40th anniversary Suzuki GSX-R1000R.
What’s your favorite memory from the event?
@barbermotorpark
@ahrmaofficial
@kschwantz34
Photos: @wes.sparks.photo
#barbermuseum #barbermotorsportspark #barbervintagefestival #Ducati100 #GSXR40
Oct 29
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum Executive Director Brian Case was the guest on a recent episode of “For The Ride,” the official podcast of @triumphamerica. Host Adam VanderVeen and Case covered a lot of ground, including the passing earlier this year of @barbermotorpark founder George Barber and how the staff is carrying on the torch.
“It’s been devastating this year to have lost our founder,” said Case. “But it is also so inspiring to now fully understand what he has built, what he has put in place as a gift to all. Not just for the state of Alabama but for people around the world to come and celebrate and learn about motorsports, which was something that was one of his strongest passions going back to an early age.”
Now in its sixth season, “For The Ride” provides “a deeper look at some of the most interesting people you’ll meet on two wheels, including the impact that motorcycles have made on their personal and professional lives.” Follow the “For The Ride: Brian Case” link in our linktre.ee link to listen to the interview.
Photo: @wes.sparks.photo
#barbermuseum #barbermotorsportspark #triumphmotorcycles
Oct 27
"Petrolheads would be silly not to visit the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, home to one of the world’s largest motorcycle collections. It’s also located inside the massive @barbermotorpark, an 880-acre site with a 17-turn racing circuit, where you can catch races and events throughout the year."
London-based @the.independent says “The Magic City” has “a bit of everything,” including world-class motorsports. Follow the linktr.ee link in our bio to learn “Why Birmingham, Alabama is America’s next great cultural hub.”
@inbirmingham
#barbermuseum #barbermotorsportspark #barbervintagefestival #Ducati100 #GSXR40
Oct 25
Race fans! The 54th annual WERA Grand National Finals returns this weekend to @barbermotorpark. The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum adjacent to the 17-turn, 2.38-mile road course is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday).
Don’t miss the new “GSX-R FORTY YEARS” and “DUCATI 100” exhibitions on the third and fifth floors of the museum. Admission requires a separate ticket, available for purchase at the front desk upon arrival.
GSX-R FORTY YEARS and DUCATI 100 are made possible with support from the Italian American Heritage Society of Birmingham, Alabama.
@weraracing
@bhamitalians
Photos: @wes.sparks.photo
#barbermuseum #barbermotorsportspark #barbervintagefestival #Ducati100 #GSXR40
Oct 23
The 21st annual Barber Vintage Festival held earlier this month celebrated the life and legacy of @barbermotorpark founder George Barber.
Charles Miller, chairman of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, was among the friends and colleagues interviewed for a short film about Barber.
“George left a blueprint for us,” said Miller. “And the blueprint is, ‘No job is too small. Nothing is beneath you. Always be curious. And put other people first.’”
The film debuted at "Motorcycles by Moonlight," the benefit dinner that serves as the opening celebration for the Barber Vintage Festival.
Follow the linktr.ee link in our bio to watch the film on the “Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum” YouTube channel.
#barbermuseum #barbermotorsportspark #barbervintagefestival #Ducati100 #GSXR40
Oct 22
Did Hurricane Isaias force you to cancel plans to attend this year’s 21st annual Barber Vintage Festival? We know you were there in spirit, if not body.
To show our appreciation, we’re offering a 20% discount on all festival merchandise, including hats, patches, stickers, T-shirts, and microfiber towels.
Follow the "VINTAGE26 Merchandise" linktr.ee link in our bio. Discount applied at checkout.
#barbermuseum #barbermotorsportspark #barbervintagefestival #Ducati100 #GSXR40
Oct 20
Did you attend one or more of the six seminars held on Friday, October 9, and Saturday, October 10, in the Barber Advanced Design Center during the 21st annual Barber Vintage Festival? We want to hear your feedback.
Guests included Peter Jones, Sonya Lloyd, Melissa Paris, Kayla Theisler, Nick Ienatsch, Kent Kunitsugu, Pierre Terblanche, Kenny Roberts, Jr., Neil Spalding, Alan Cathcart, and Kevin Cameron. The seminars were moderated by Liz Johnson, Ultan Guilfoyle, and Matthew Miles.
If you were unable to attend, keep an eye on the “Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum" YouTube channel in the coming weeks for videos from the seminars. Also, let us know what type of content you would like to see in the future.
Photos: @wes.sparks.photo
#barbermuseum #barbermotorsportspark #barbervintagefestival #Ducati100 #GSXR40
Oct 18
