Name: Barry
Current City: Egg Harbor Twp., New Jersey
Member since: 2011
Getting to know Barry
Why did you join the Official NASCAR Fan Council?
“To have input to the sport I love. I believe the opinions of dedicated fans should be heard at some level and may have an effect on rule changes/modifications and overall success of the sport in the future.”
How did you first become interested in NASCAR?
“I went to a race to see Richard Petty run in the early 60s.”
What makes NASCAR special for you?
“The competition is exciting and unpredictable every week. Access to meet drivers/crew chiefs and crew members is unlike any other sport. Being able to go to race shops and see cars being fabricated is super.”
Do you have any favorite NASCAR memories or traditions?
“The first time I met Richard Petty was very special. At this point in time I have been a RP Fan Club member for about 40 years and I run the charity auction at the annual Fan Club Convention to raise money for the Petty Family Foundation and Victory Junction Gang Camp-look forward to doing this every year.”
Do you have a favorite in any of the following categories?
Driver: “Aric Almirola”
Track(s): “Dover and Talladega”
Memorabilia: “I currently have over 1,000 pieces of memorabilia including sheet metal, hats, shirts, belt buckles, standups and die cast of all scales. Majority of collection is Richard Petty items and approximately 25 percent is autographed. One of most cherished pieces is a hand carved Team Transporter style souvenir trailer-only 6 are in existence as far as I know. Next best is a hat autographed by Lee-Richard and Kyle Petty.”
If you could go to any NASCAR race/track, where would you go?
“Talladega”
What do you like to do in your free time?
“I volunteer at church and coach wrestling/baseball at local high school (EHT). I also like computer racing simulators.”
Tell us about your family. Do you have children and/or pets?
“I have two grown children: Sheri and Buddie; and 3 grandchildren: Payton, Avery, and Maddie.”
What’s your dream car?
“Blue 4-speed Super Bird.”
If you could go anywhere in the world on a dream vacation, where would you want to go?
“Mooresville and visit all of the race shops.”
From all of us at NASCAR, we thank Barry for his continued support and look forward to hearing from him in 2017.