We closed out 2021 with one more race track to check off my list, Barber Motorsports Park. This was one that Zach was super excited for me to visit for the museum onsite. We even planned an extra day into the track day trip just for a museum visit.
Buc-ees
Like most track days, this one was a group affair with a couple of Zach’s buddies joining us. Getting close to the exit for Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama we realized that there was a Buc-ees off the same exit. I had heard amazing things about Buc-ees, but had never visited one before. We stopped in before heading to the track and to say I was overwhelmed was an understatement. It is truly more than a gas station and this is coming from a person that has a love for Sheetz (another great gas station chain out of Pennsylvania). I have never seen so many gas pumps in one place. There is a full retail store inside, food stations. It really is one of those places that you need to experience because you won’t believe any description. We ended up back at Buc-ees everyday of the trip and found new things each time.
Setup
Like usual, the trip couldn’t have gone 100% without incident. I may have broke the awning as we were trying to setup everything up in the dark, in 30 degree weather. Oops for unscrewing one of the bolts too much and it coming apart in the arm of the awning. So while I made dinner, Zach and Woody got to “break” and fix the bolt/arm issue with the awning. I think I lucked out in this situation because the heat from our Blackstone while making dinner kept me warm.
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
The next day Zach and I relaxed a bit, then went to the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. Even if you aren’t a motorcycle fan, this museum is worth visiting. There are more than just motorcycles on display and the history and different items they showcase really pulls you in. We spent around 3 hours in the museum and could have easily spent more time. Below is a collection of photos that I took while visiting the museum.
Track Day
Earlier in 2021, we went to Virginia International Raceway (VIR) for a track day. And that track easily became my favorite of the ones I have visited with Zach. But I have to say that Barber tops VIR for me. They are both great facilities and have some great assets, but between the museum, the sculptures around the grounds and the amount of the track that you can watch from, Barber edges out.
This was the first time that Zach had his Panigale back on track since putting a new engine in it. And while he may not have been as fast as he would have liked, I still deem the track day a success because everyone and everything came back in one piece.
Hopefully the next time we make it to Barber, it is for Vintage Fest.
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