Barber ready to tackle home track with family

Since the Cobb & Co Hotel St George 399 first ran in 2017, there have been a number of individuals who have worked tirelessly to make sure the BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC) season opener runs seamlessly.

Behind the event is the South East Queensland Off Road Racing Association (SEQORRA), and one of the individuals is former president Kym Barber.

Every year, Barber works overtime organising the event in the lead up and works even harder to make sure all goes according to plan during the event.

In 2022, things have changed a little bit for Barber as he will finally get the chance to participate at the event he has helped build and develop over the past six years.

Behind the wheel of a Performance 2WD Trophy Truck, Barber will have his granddaughter sitting alongside him for his return to the drivers’ seat.

Although he is only registered for the Motorsport Australia Queensland Off Road Championship, Barber is excited for what the weekend could bring.

“It’s been six years of organising this event and after looking after everyone else and chasing things all over the place, I finally get to use the track and I can’t wait,” Barber said.

“This will be the first time I have done the track and I am excited to get behind the wheel and see how good of a job we have done.

“I guess the other thing is that I haven’t really had a car to compete in as my son was driving the truck for the last few years. However, we have made some modifications and made it easier to run and more comfortable and now it’s time to give it a whirl.

“My son and I competed once as driver and navigator, but it’s quite a special occasion to have my granddaughter sitting next to me.

“We will be having a crack, but it’s been so long since I raced and for me I just want to finish the race and bring it home. It’s always a good race when you can drive your car onto the trailer after an event.”

Barber will be one of three drivers in the Performance 2WD class, joining Walkinshaw Performance’s David Kermond and fellow Queenslander Rickie Swain.

The Cobb & Co Hotel St George 399 takes place in St George on 18-20 March.

Barber (pictured second from right) during the 2021 St George 399 podium presentation. Photo: Terry Hill Photography.