Joey Barber is a life-long Alabama native who grew up racing at his local Atmore Dragstrip, so when the opportunity became available to buy the track two years ago, he jumped at the chance to purchase and manage the facility.
[Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in DI #191, the 30 Under 30 Issue, in November / December of 2024.]
Not only was his wife, Misty, completely onboard with the new venture, but it was her idea to repaint the place lime green and black with a touch of gray as one of the first orders of business. As attractive as the new colors were, Joey realized from the beginning that the track needed lots more attention than just paint. “I had no choice but to go right to work on updating the facility because it needed so much attention,” recalls Barber, as he recounted how the computer system alone crashed seven times within the first few weekends.
A complete remodeling of the tower and replacing electrical equipment were among the first upgrades Barber invested in, followed by additional lights in the pits and an upgraded sound system. “The concession stand and bathrooms were both a wreck, so they got remodeled as well, but we’re still planning on installing showers in the bathrooms soon.”
Six months into his ownership of Atmore, Barber also made the major investment in concrete guardwalls. “We reground the racing surface in mid-2024 since it hadn’t been done since 2012.” The top end had humps, so they were smoothed out, although much more extensive work is planned for the next offseason.
“In December we’re going to shut down and replace the asphalt with brand-new concrete that stretches about 200-300 feet past the finish line,” Barber adds, “then install a new catch net at the back of the sandpit.” Additional asphalt in the pits, widening of the return lanes, along with many more RV hook-up spots are also on the agenda for the wintertime upgrades.
Perhaps the most ambitious plan for Atmore is Barber’s desire to construct a motocross circle track on the property to host competitive events for dirt bikes, ATVs, and 4-wheelers. “I don’t know exactly how long it’s going to take to construct, but I do have it OK’d, so we’re going to move forward on it, and hopefully begin construction in February 2025,” he says.
Barber had tons of racing on the schedule in 2024, including a number of brand-new events for Atmore. “Since I grew up grudge racing, I immediately realized that Atmore was perfect for backend racing, and we’ve been holding some very successful events this year with backend racing.”
Barber booked in a wide array of events this season, ranging from a Flashlight Shootout to even midget wrestling! Tons of grudge racing went down at Atmore in 2024, along with the first-ever big-wheel race in early October.
Atmore is sanctioned by WDRA and scheduled 12 bracket points events this year, beginning in February. The bracket program was held on six weekends in 2024, holding two-day meets. “’JJ da Boss’ came here in April for the first time and it was a really successful event,” says Barber. “Daddy Dave” Comstock was also booked in, along with various radial events and several appearances from the Misfit Gassers.
In June, July, and August, another brand-new attraction was launched with the running of the Atmore/Mobile Radial Summer Series. This was the first time that Atmore and nearby Mobile Dragway came together to form a series, which ran monthly during the summer on a designated Saturday.
Drag Illustrated visited Atmore in late September on a big two-day weekend with the Southern Nitrous Racing Association (SNRA) as the headlining attraction, along with blown Pro Mods. The weather was favorable for a nice weekend of racing, and some great cars turned out for the event.
As the season winds down, Barber is eager to continue making strides toward improving the track, along with increasing the entertainment options at Atmore. “We’ve got a lot accomplished, but we’ve still got a lot of work to do!” he concludes.
This story was originally published on January 3, 2025. 
