We hear a lot in the motorcycle media about Barber Motorsports Park and the incredible track and museum George Barber built. It truly is an awesome facility and in 2005, Club Ambassador Stacy Silverwood participated in all 3 days in '05. Here is his report...

BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK - A COUNTRY CLUB FOR THE MOTORSPORTS ENTHUSIAST!

I approached a group of guys in the parking lot of the CLASS HQ hotel with the idea of knocking their socks of with the news that I had come all the way from San Diego to ride with them.  Introducing myself and shaking hands with the first guy I met he says, “San Diego?  Me too!”  Then he allows that this is his first CLASS experience.  And that his bike, a GSXR 750 had been delivered from Canada by his cousin and that he had never seen it before.  So much for my news, took the wind right out of my sails.  I had dinner that evening with another new acquaintance, Ted from Washington DC.  Ted is also a Gixer pilot.  He weighs about 100 pounds and ate half his weight in burgers.  I went to sleep that night wondering why my CLASSmates would come from so far to ride this track.

As I drove my rented sedan through the gates of the Barber Motorsports Park the next morning I understood completely.  This was a country club for motorsports enthusiasts.  The sun was coming up over the wooded park.  Mist clung to the perfectly manicured lawns covering the 740 acres sculpted into the rolling hills of Birmingham, Alabama.

I have been to some pretty cool places and this really impressed me.  Imagine the most beautiful golf course you’ve ever seen and then lay a ribbon of black silk 45 feet wide, 2.3 miles long, it’s 16 turns folding through the wooded hills with an elevation change of over eight stories.  Add a world-class motorsports museum housed in an architectural master piece of glass overlooking turns 8 and 9 and facilities including four levels of paved paddocks, restrooms and showers and covered tech area.  This is serious, I thought to myself as I stopped to shoot a couple of photos.  There are even outdoor sculptures by world famous artists scattered through out the grounds.

Parking the car I saw the familiar faces of instructors and staff arriving with me.  Hand shakes and hugs were followed by a flurry of activity as we set up for the day.  I unloaded my BMW from the CLASS trailer having loaded it at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California the previous week.  Reg treats my bike like his own when he transports it so there was nothing to worry about.  As the morning progressed and I welcomed the growing crowd of students arriving in the paddock I was pleased to find that there were several riders there from California, and Force 5 was well represented.  The electricity at a CLASS event is infectious and I was charged.

There were 60 of us that first day, 65 the second and 50 on the third day to explore the mysteries and solve the puzzle of this jewel of the South.  As one might expect at a premier racing facility we were introduced to the Safety Team at each morning’s orientation meeting.  The flag stands would be staffed and the flaggers were gods – don’t forget it!  Safety is foremost at Barber with the most run-off room of anywhere we go rivaled only by the GP course at Laguna Seca.

The track proved to be challenging and tricky.  It is fast and smooth rewarding discipline and control.  I had a blast the first day, couldn’t wait for the next day and was really glad we had a third day.  And again, the atmosphere in the CLASSroom was fun to say the least.  I always get a kick when the B-Group comes in laughing and high-fives all around.  “Did ya’all see that?  I was amazingly fast!” they brag to each other.  The CLASS organization is the absolute best at providing a safe, educational and fun track experience for all of us.  We are lucky to be associated with them, and Force 5 is even more of a family on a fast track to success.

I was able to spend some time (not nearly enough) in the museum during my visit.  I came away thinking that if anyone deserves to be rich, George Barber does.  He doesn’t fritter it away on useless endeavors, not him.  Can you imagine a garage of glass four stories high in which to keep your collection of over 1000 motorcycles?  One hundred forty marques are represented, 500-600 on display at any one time.  Add to that the world’s largest collection of Lotus racers and a smattering of F1 and Bonneville machines.  Heck, there’s even a Stock Car – this is the south after all.  All of the restoration work is done on site and there is a “members only” area below ground.  A gift shop and café allow visitors to linger and relax in this beautiful space.

This year – 2006 we have secured two days at Barber.  Consider this more than an invitation, this is a must do.  Whether you live East, West, North or South don’t miss Barber!  We have the ability to transport a few bikes from the west coast again this year so get your reservation in early.  Space is limited as you might imagine.  Take it from me, it is worth far more than the cost of admission.

I hope to see you this season at the track!

Stacy

The photos above were all shot by CLASS Photographer, Ian Donald. To see Ian's complete Barber Tour, grab a cup of coffee and click here.  After having taken 2007 off from the east coast tour, CLASS is delighted to return to Barber in 2008. Check the CLASS calendar for dates.

Ready to go for a lap of this great place? Click here.