The motorsports community is mourning the passing of George Barber Jr., a visionary whose passion and generosity left an indelible mark on racing and Alabama as a whole.
Barber was the founder of Barber Motorsports Park and the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, realizing a lifelong dream to create a one-of-a-kind, world-class facility. What began as an extraordinary motorcycle collection grew into a destination revered around the globe. Barber imagined not only a museum, but a road course where the “living museum” quality of the collection could be seen and enjoyed in motion. This very same concept is precisely what has put his facility in a class above the rest.
The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is now 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.
On behalf of SRO America, President and CEO Greg Gill reflected on Barber’s legacy:
“George Barber Jr. was a deeply inspirational figure in the community whose passion shaped one of the most iconic motorsports destinations in North America. 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.”