Barry Durham, an ASE Certified Master Tech with over 20 years of experience working on and building automobiles, passed away unexpectedly on August 17, 2025.
He was unemployed in his latter years and was looking for work related to building formula cars.
Durham owned Road & Track Imports for 18 years, where it provided service for small-bore formula cars and modified street Euro cars.
Later, he joined Sasco Sports in February 2000 as a shop foreman and built vintage-type cars, including Formula, sports, and Can-Am cars.
He moved to Tony Ave Racing in 2005 and joined Roush-Fenway Racing in April 2006. Carl Edwards won a championship with one of their cars in 2007.
Durham was a seasonal instructor at the NASCAR Tech Institute for five months and became a part of the shock builder at MSI Defense Solutions in 2011.
Moreover, he also worked as a mechanic for RK Motors Charlotte and as a racecar builder and fabricator at Olthoff Racing.
Undoubtedly, his untimely passing saddened the whole racing community, and many remembered him in their heartfelt tribute.
Sad news, sad news, has come to where I sleep. Barry Durham passed away today, I am beginning to come at a loss for words, I have lost far too many old friends lately. BD, I hear there are race tracks in Heaven and the race cars are free. Drive on old buddy.
Forest Dalton
Barry Durham Passed Away After A Short Illness
Barry Durham was a beloved figure in the world of car racing and Formula car construction. He was known for his relentless drive and kind spirit.
Sadly, he left the world after a valiant battle with declining health, including circulation issues in his legs and a weakened heart in his final weeks.
Durham was a visionary in motorsports, always seeking new opportunities to innovate and push the boundaries of speed and engineering.
His passion for racing and precision craftsmanship earned him respect and admiration from peers and fans alike. His dedication to his craft was unmatched, whether on the track or in the garage.
Best friends for 50+ years, my dear friend Barry Durham has passed. Please keep him and his family in your prayers. I have so many wonderful memories with Barry that I will cherish forever. Love you my brother.. Rest in peace..♥🙏🙏🙏🙏
Von Cannon
Beyond his professional achievements, Durham will be remembered as a kind, loving gentleman who touched the lives of many.
His generosity, warm smile, and unwavering support for those around him made him a cherished friend, mentor, and family man.
He crossed the finish line of life, but his legacy lives on in the roar of engines, the sleek designs of the cars he built, and the countless lives he inspired.
A celebration of Durham’s life will be held for family, friends, and fellow racing enthusiasts. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Rest in peace, Barry Durham. May your spirit race on forever.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Barry Durham graduated from George Washington High School in 1969 and attended Danville Community College.
- Monoposto Racing, one of North America’s finest open-wheel vintage racing organizations, had announced him as the 2004 series champion alongside Joe Blacker.
