Story by: Langley Austin ~ [email protected]
Goldston, NC(January 17, 2011) — Over the years, the Barber Automotive #98 car has had a host of different drivers behind the wheel of their car from Stephen Grimes, Pete Stewart and Gary Causey to Donnie Apple and Alex Yontz most recently.
Most of you know that shortly after they picked up their first UARA-STARS Series win at Newport Speedway in May of this past year, that Yontz and Barber Automotive team owner, William Barber parted ways. After that we never saw the Barber #98 car run again in the 2010 season, while Yontz returned to Hedgecock Racing Ent. and drove their house car as well as another car with his former crew chief, Ed Berrier turning the wrenches.
Yontz won’t be returning to Barber’s team anytime soon, so William Barber has been searching through some of the best Late Model Stock Car drivers in the Carolina’s that are currently out of a ride or searching for funding. Barber hasn’t made an official announcement on who will be behind the wheel of his familiar white #98 car, but RACE22.com has been sorting through many rumors and all the opinions on who will be there next driver will be.
Rock Hill, SC driver, BJ Mackey is expected to be the driver behind the wheel of the Barber Automotive car this season on a part time schedule. Mackey, a couple of seasons ago nearly won the UARA-STARS Series championship on the heels of three wins and has been making his mark in Late Model Stock Car racing. Mackey, last season only competed in a couple of races as he was performing crew chief duties for UARA-STARS Series rookie, Ronnie Bassett, Jr. for most of the season.
Mackey is expected to continue operating his setup and driver development business, Mackey Motorsports, but has to be looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of a car. Mackey is expected to compete for Barber in the Super 5 Series races at Caraway Speedway this season as well as a handful of UARA-STARS Series starts and many of the big Late Model Stock Car races at the end of the season.
Mackey nor Barber were available for comment at the time of press for this story, but RACE22.com expects Mackey and Barber to make an announcement later this week or early into next week. Be sure to check back with RACE22.com for more info, including an official announcement on Mackey joining the Barber Automotive team.
