The Legacy of Barney Davis
Racing, Craftsmanship, and the Speedweeks of 1959
A Hidden History
For years, the stories of Bernard T. "Barney" Davis were kept mostly in the quiet strength of his character. As his family, we knew him as a man of few words, especially as he faced the challenges of advanced MS later in life.
However, through an old racing jacket, a brass trophy, and a single black-and-white photograph, a remarkable history has begun to emerge—a story of a builder, a business owner, and a champion.
Barney’s original racing jacket, a relic from the golden age of midget racing.
1959: A Moment of Glory
On February 19, 1959, Barney Davis cemented his place in the record books. Driving a car powered by the heart of an underdog—likely a Ford V8-60—he crossed the finish line as the NASCAR Midget Feature Winner.
The Record
- Event: NASCAR Midget Feature
- Date: February 19, 1959
- Location: Memorial Stadium, Daytona Beach, FL
- The Field: Barney shared the track with legends like Bob Tattersall and Steve McGrath.
The 1959 Daytona Memorial Stadium Feature Trophy
Barney’s Speed Shop
Barney wasn't just a driver; he was a creator.
Operating out of Barney’s Speed Shop, he earned a reputation as a master mechanic and engine builder.
Barney was a pioneer who used his shop to push the limits of performance, often working on the Ford V8-60 engines—the "giant killers" of the midget racing world.
The "Russ Blake" Engine
Records show a Russ Blake car featuring "Barney’s Speed Shop" on the hood—a testament to his skill and the trust other racers placed in him.
Preserving the Story
This website is a living archive. We are working with the GM Heritage Center, National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame, and High Banks Hall of Fame.
Submit a Memory
Are you a racing historian or a Vicksburg local? Help us piece together the history.