A L E X  B A R R O N

 

 

B i o g r a p h y

Alex Barron was born on the 11th of June, 1970 in San Diego, California, and like many of his contemporaries was racing go-karts at the tender age of nine on local tracks in the surrounding countryside. At that time, Alex raced for fun and recreation and becoming a professional in this sport was not yet in his mind. However, even back then he showed a talent for going fast and displayed a distinct competitive urge combined with a rather strong will to win. All of these attributes were also apparent during his early baseball career. He played short stop at El Camino High in San Diego. A bigger career in that sport was cut short, when he suffered an injury to his leg from a circular saw.

Concentrating more and more on go-karts, he won six state, two regional, three national and three US Gearbox Championship titles between 1985 and 1997. Trying for years to make the transition to cars, he was prevented to do so due to lack of funds and sponsorship. Then a local businessman, Bill Ewing, came to the rescue. Seeing qualities of a future champion in Alex, he made it possible for him to enter into the F2000 Series. In 1996, Alex finished in the top-ten four times and placed 7th in the Championship. By that time he had come to the attention of the Lynx Racing Team, which snatched him up after the season. With the continued support of Ewing's Victory circle Racing. Alex had the opportunity to compete in the 1997 Kool/Toyota Atlantic Series. Alex rewarded their trust by becoming the series champion with a stellar performance during a very competitive season. Another big break came his way when far away in Argentina Juan Manuel Fangio II decided to retire and Dan Gurney looked for a young, talented and accomplished American to bring along and grow with the team.

The 5'10, 148 pound blonde articulate Atlantic Champion loves rock-n-roll, fast-food, ping-pong and the city of Vancouver, scored points in his first Champ Car season with the AAR Team. He was the first and so far only driver to lead a CART race in a Toyota powered car.

Racing Accomplishments

Karting 1985 Junior National Champion 100cc
1987 State Champion 100cc
1988 State Champion 100cc
1989 Regional Champion
1992 State Champion 125cc
1993 IRSA Pro Race Series Champion 125cc
  US Gearbox Champion
1996 State Champion 125cc
1997 Pro 125cc National Gearbox champion
Formula 2000   1996 Captured four top-ten finishes and finished seventh overall.
Formula Toyota Atlantic Series   1997 Captured four poles, five wins (Nazareth, Milwaukee, Mid-Ohio, Road America & Laguna Seca), nine podium finishes and the Championship.
Won "Rookie of the Year" title.
FedEx Championship Series 1998 Best finish 12th (Brazil, Houston)
First To lead a race in a Toyota Powered Car
(12 laps, Vancouver).

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