City: Birmingham, AL

Category: Spectator Sports

Address: 6040 Barber Motorsports Pkwy.

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Description: Designed by internationally renowned racetrack architect Alan Wilson, the Barber Motorsports Park opened in 2003 to rave reviews from journalists and race fans alike. The course’s brilliant design, combining form with function while maintaining an aesthetic grandeur, has earned it the nickname “the Augusta of race tracks” in reference to the famous Augusta National Golf Club, host of The Masters. And people have begun to take notice. With the intention of expanding into the southern market, the IRL IndyCar Series decided to hold an official IRL race at the Barber Motorsports Park, and in April 2010 the Barber Motorsports Park hosted the inaugural Porsche 250 Indy Grand Prix of Alabama. The race was met with great excitement and did not disappoint as thousands of interested spectators saw Indy Racing great Helio Castroneves win his record-setting 23rd IndyCar event, putting him in first place all-time among Brazilian IndyCar drivers. Such an event quickly brought notoriety to the Barber Motorsports Park from the international racing community. Alabama has long been known as NASCAR country, but with the addition of the Barber Motorsports Park, perhaps it is also F-1 country, too. As if driving at crazy speeds on four wheels weren’t enough, in 2010 the Barber Motorsports Park also played host to the AMA Superbike Championship. Not content to merely watch while other drivers take to the course at break-neck speeds? Grab the wheel at the Porsche Sport Driving School. At the only official Porsche Sport Driving School in North America, you can choose from a fleet of over 40 Porsches designed by Germany’s top auto engineers. Also, don’t forget to check out the world’s largest collection of motorcycles at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum located on the grounds of the Barber Motorsports Park. Prices vary according to event. Museum admission ranges from $10 to $15 with discounts available with proof of AAA membership.