George Barber Jr. Passes Away

George Barber Jr., the founder of Barber Motorsports Park and the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, passed away on Monday at the age of 85.

Barber was the visionary behind the 16-turn Alan Wilson-designed road course, which opened in 2003 and currently hosts SRO America, as well as other series such as the NTT IndyCar Series.

The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is home to more than 1,800 motorcycles spanning over 100 years of production, and is officially recognized by Guinness World Records for having the world’s largest motorcycle collection.

Beyond motorsports, Barber was deeply committed to his community.

In 2025, Business Alabama honored him with its Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his wide-ranging philanthropic efforts, as he was a steadfast supporter of numerous Birmingham institutions.

“George Barber Jr. was a deeply inspirational figure in the community whose passion shaped one of the most iconic motorsports destinations in North America,” said SRO America President and CEO Greg Gill.

“Barber Motorsports Park is a definitive highlight on any racing calendar, and we were honored to have been welcomed back into its paddock with open arms.

“It is a direct reflection of George’s unwavering commitment to building something truly special. His generosity, leadership and love for our sport will be felt for generations to come.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the Barber family and all who were touched by his remarkable life.”