Crew Profile: Don Barker
In the NASCAR world, a crew member is the backbone of any team that helps a driver achieve success on the track. Throughout the season, we will profile the men and women behind the scenes.
This week’s profile features Don Barker, crew chief of the No. 2 Wisk/Snuggle Ford driven by Todd Szegedy.
NAME: Don Barker
AGE: 55
BIRTHDATE: Oct. 26, 1953
HOMETOWN: Watertown, Conn.
SPOUSE’S NAME: Debbie
NAMES OF CHILDREN: Jason and Brett
TEAM: Mike Smeriglio Racing
DRIVER: Todd Szegedy
SHOP JOB: Fabricator/Manager
AT-TRACK JOB: Spotter/Manager
FULL-TIME OCCUPATION: Mechanical Engineer
RACING BACKGROUND: Drove dirt and asphalt Modifieds … Was the first employee at Chassis Dynamics … Has over 150 wins as a crew chief in dirt and asphalt Modifieds … Has road racing experience … Won the 2003 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship with Todd Szegedy
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN RACING: Winning the 2003 championship
OTHER INTEREST/HOBBIES: Golf
FAVORITE KIND OF MUSIC: Classic Rock
FAVORITE MOVIE: The Sting
FAVORITE FOOD: Italian
PERSON YOU MOST ADMIRE: Jet fighter pilots
PERSONAL VEHICLE: Ford F-150 pick-up, 2006 Corvette