April 01, 2010

In the South, any automobile-related competitive sports other than stock car racing are foreign concepts. Alabama is home to Talladega Superspeedway, the largest, fastest oval racetrack in the world. Open-cockpit, open-wheel Indianapolis 500-style “Indy” racing is a sport usually associated with the upper crust, wine-and-cheese crowd that worships drivers with names most Alabamians can’t pronounce.

Thanks to local tycoon George Barber, however, racing sophistication is finally coming to the state. Stock car fans can get a view of the faster, technologically superior Indy cars in action at the inaugural Indy Grand Prix of Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park the weekend of April 9 through 11. The Barber track has been praised as one of the most challenging—and aesthetically appealing—racetracks in the world. Manicured shrubbery and surreal metal sculptures of giant insects are scattered throughout the pristine acreage that Barber has boasted is “the Augusta of racetracks.” During pre-season test sessions preparing for the Barber race, however, Indy car drivers complained that there are few areas on the track for passing slower cars, which can make for a dull afternoon. The drivers all agree, though, that the park is one gorgeous place.

Indycar star and pin-up girl Danica Patrick will be in the lineup, and Taylor Hicks will sing the national anthem the day of the race. Single-day tickets range from $15 to $50. Basic weekend passes are $70. Visit www.barbermotorsports.com for more information. &