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
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
Stephen Clark, the Scottish photographer behind Superbike-crazy @wildcard_garage, attended the exclusive preview of the “DUCATI 100” and “GSX-R FORTY YEARS” exhibitions on Wednesday, October 7, at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.
Clark interviewed museum board member Ultan Guilfoyle, who curated both exhibitions, and Matthew Miles, whose Team Cycle World GSX-R1000 raced by four-time national champ Eric Bostrom is included in “GSX-R FORTY YEARS.”
Clark previously documented the restoration of two GSX-R750s, a 1992 “Slingshot” and a ’99 “SRAD,” both of which would have been fine additions to the GSX-R FORTY YEARS exhibition. Perhaps we’ll see them at @barbermotorpark track day.
Follow the "Barber Museum - Preview of the GSX-R 40 & Ducati 100 Exhibits" linktr.ee link in our bio to watch Clark’s coverage from the event.
The DUCATI 100 and GSX-R FORTY YEARS exhibitions were made possible with support from the Italian American Heritage Society of Birmingham, Alabama.
#barbermuseum #barbermotorsportspark #barbervintagefestival #Ducati100 #GSXR40
@bhamitalians @team_hammer_inc @bspies11 @23xiracing @ducatiusa @suzukicycles @bozbros @ben_bostrom
Oct 16
Three days of fast-paced, high-speed action: The SVRA SpeedTour visits @barbermotorpark this weekend, October 16-18. The diverse lineup includes the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association, Ligier Junior Formula Championship, Formula 4 United States Championship, Formula Regional Americas Championship, and International GT.
The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum adjacent to the 17-turn, 2.38-mile road course is open throughout the weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Be sure to visit the “DUCATI 100” and “GSX-R FORTY YEARS” exhibitions on the fifth and third floors of the museum. Admission requires a separate ticket, available for purchase at the front desk upon arrival.
DUCATI 100 and GSX-R FORTY YEARS are made possible with support from the Italian American Heritage Society of Birmingham, Alabama.
@svralife
#barbermuseum #barbermotorsportspark #Ducati100 #GSXR40
Oct 15
WBRC 6 reporter @jehpruitt interviewed Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum Executive Director Brian Case and museum board member Ultan Guilfoyle on the opening day of the “DUCATI 100” and “GSX-R FORTY YEARS” exhibitions, held in conjunction with the 21st annual Barber Vintage Festival.
Guilfoyle curated both DUCATI 100 and GSX-R FORTY YEARS, which were designed by Pierre Terblanche, resident mentor of the Barber Advanced Design Center, located on the fifth floor of the museum. Guilfoyle described the exhibitions as a “full-circle” experience.
“George Barber was the first person I called when I did the Guggenheim exhibition, and we’ve been friends ever since,” he said, referring to the landmark 1998 hit, “The Art of the Motorcycle,” that he co-curated. “It’s giving back to George what he gave to me 30 years ago.”
Case and Guilfoyle also appeared earlier in the week in the WBRC 6 studios with anchor Clare Huddleston on the “Now at 11 a.m.” newscast. The exhibitions are installed on the fifth and third floors of the museum and will run through the spring.
Thanks to the thousands of Barber Vintage Festival attendees who made the opening weekend of the exhibitions a tremendous success. Both exhibitions were made possible with support from the Italian American Heritage Society of Birmingham, Alabama.
@wbrcnews
@bhamitalians
@barbermotorpark
#barbermuseum #barbermotorsportspark #barbervintagefestival #Ducati100 #GSXR40 #wbrcfox6news
Oct 14
Twice-daily engine start-ups are an integral part of the Barber Vintage Festival. This weekend, inside the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, conservation staff fired two Ducatis, a 1974 750 Super Sport and a 1990 750 Sport, and a 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750.
In addition, on Saturday morning, Lee Clark fired up the Ferrari 158 driven by John Surtees to second at the 1964 Mexican Grand Prix, as well as the recent recreation by Classic Team Lotus of the 1967 Lotus 49 R1. Which start-up did you most enjoy?
Video: Wes Johnson/Spark Photo
#barbermuseum #barbermotorsportspark #barbervintagefestival
Oct 11
