NASCAR Driver Doug Barnes Jr. is quickly making a name for himself and soaring in popularity amongst his competitors following recent Late Model and NASCAR victories.
Growing up, Barnes always had a passion for racing, traveling to NASCAR events aspiring to one day compete. He began racing in 2004 and transitioned to stock car racing at 16 years old, starting in over 20 races. In 2016, he won his first two races.
His racing career took off as he achieved eight 1st place finishes in 2017, becoming the 2017 Dominion Raceway Champion. Two years later, Barnes continued to prove himself as a valid contender by winning the Dominion Raceway Championship title once again in 2019.
After years of hard work and two titles at Dominion, Barnes was ready to compete with some of the best in the sport. By the end of the 2021 season, Barnes competed in several Late Model Stock Crown Jewel events, finishing 5th in the South Carolina 400 and 3rd in the Thanksgiving All-Star Classic.
In search of victories outside of Dominion Raceway, Barnes was able to triumph over his competition for one of his most significant 1st place finishes at South Carolina’s Florence Motor Speedway. Proving he is capable of winning at other tracks, Barnes is now chasing a NASCAR National Championship.
We recently had the chance to ask Barnes a series of questions to help you learn about our newest Teammate and his decision to wear the Q-Collar:
What is your favorite moment in your career?
“Winning a race against Dale Earnhardt Jr earlier last year at Florence Motor Speedway!”
Who did you look up to growing up and is there someone who had a profound impact on you as a driver?
“I looked up to Dale Earnhardt Jr growing up. I was the number 8 when I first started racing because of him. I loved traveling to NASCAR races as a kid to watch him race. Last November I had the opportunity to compete against him and that was surreal. It was even wilder to me that I was able to win a prestigious race that he was a part of earlier this year. If you would've told me 10 years ago if this would even be possible, I'd probably laugh.”
How did you first learn about the Q-Collar?
“I had seen a few NFL players wearing it, but I didn't know what it was. I was introduced to the Q30 Team and I haven’t stopped wearing it since!”
What made you decide to make the Q-Collar a part of your equipment?
“Head injuries are a big issue in NASCAR racing. Any contact with the wall, or with other competitors can ring your bell. I've had multiple concussions throughout my years of racing. I never thought that there was a way to potentially eliminate them until I wore a Q Collar. It also helps with my stamina throughout the race and eliminates any headaches I would regularly get after a race.”
Based on your own experience, do you have any advice for younger drivers coming up the ranks behind you?
“My advice is to just have fun. The odds of ever making a career out of racing is slim to none. I'd view it as more of a hobby than anything else. I raced my entire life up until 2018. I was coming off of my best season ever and I was excited to compete again in 2018 when I lost my opportunity to race completely. I never thought I'd step foot in a race car again, but I knew if I did I wouldn't put so much pressure on myself and I'd enjoy it more. In 2019 I found another ride and I have been having the time of my life since.”
What do you enjoy doing in your free time away from the sport?
“I don't have much free time outside of racing. And when I'm not racing, I'm usually wishing I was.”
