Every now and then, someone comes in and takes the Supermodified world by storm.  Sometimes it can come from a totally unexpected source, and happen quickly.  2006 started out with Michael Barnes in the Limited Supermodified pit area, and not having the best of years and has transformed into a season in which he became the quickets driver ever to win a Supermodified feature race at the Oswego Speedway.

Last year, Barnes was one of the top drivers in the limited supers, having won the Mr. Limited Supermodified race, as well as another feature.  He capped the year, third in points after a very solid campaign in the Terry Solazzo #25. This year saw Barnes struggle to get a hold of the race car. He did pick up a feature win midseason, but other than that had struggled most of the way.  Barnes was given the opportunity on a couple of occasions to drive the Furlong 72 Supermodified, based on his run Classic last year in the outdated Witkum 85.  First night in the 72, Barnes took his time and got the feel of the powerful Supermodifieds, finishing 14th.  Second time out, Barnes made everyone take notice as he wheeled and dealed his way to a top five finish.  He found the outside groove in the car, and drove around cars on his way to a 4th place run.

August 5, 2006 is a date that Michael Barnes wont soon forget.  In just his fourth Supermodified race at Oswego Speedway, Barnes picked up the feature win in the Lighthouse Lanes #22.  He put himself in a top three position early in the race. When leaders Joe Gosek and Otto Sitterly crashed, Barnes inherited the lead and cruised to the victory.  It was a very popular win with the Oswego faithful, as their ovation shook the grandstands as Barnes reached the well wishers in Victory Lane.  In the win, Barnes etched his name in Oswego Speedway lore as the quickest driver to ever reach victory lane in the Supermodifieds. Only Mike McLaughlin and Dave Trytek have won Supermodified features in their rookie year, now add Barnes in only his fourth race.

Barnes, a Mexico, New York native, looks for another good weekend, this time in a Supermodified from the Ray Graham stable of cars.  “The plan is to run the car Ray ran most of last year, the old 90,” the personable Barnes said.  “It’s going to be re-numbered #29.  It’s the same car I ran at Sandusky for their Hy-Miler weekend.”

Last year Barnes came to Classic weekend as raw as a rookie could be in the supermodifieds.  He not only competed in, he made the show and passed with flying colors.  “It was really cool,” Michael said as his voice picked up. “We drove the Witkum car.  Mike Murphy knew Barry Cann really well.  I wanted to run in the Classic, and Mike wanted to see me move up.  Barry looked at me and said ok.  Joe (Witkum) was cool with it, so we gave it a shot.” It wasn’t as simple as showing up and making the show however. “There was a lot that went into it,” Barnes admitted.  “Thursday practice, the first lap we had power steering issues.  We had to change the rack.  We got it going and ran about 17.8.  After about 10laps we broke a stud on the left rear.” Thursday was a short day.  Friday came, and that was the day of time trials for the Classic.  Here they were, a new team, rookie driver in the division, and next to no laps on Thursday.  Barnes picks it up from there.  “The first lap Friday, the oil pump seized up.  Things weren’t going well.  Thank goodness for the ½ hour practice before qualifying.  Mike told me get out there, and stay out there until I’m comfortable with the car.  We stayed out, and made major gains.  We got down to the 17.4’s, and things were good.  We came in, put on new tires and got ready to go.” The anticipation and situation of being a rookie trying to qualify for the International Classic got to be too much for the rookie.  “I psyched myself out,” he conceded.  “I messed upon my qualifying laps, and missed making the show Friday night.  It wasn’t my idea to try and qualify through the races Sunday.  We wanted to make it Friday, but didn’t.  We did fine on Sunday, as we finished third in our heat race and made the show.”

Barnes started the race deep in the field, and began to race his way forward.  Fans kept watch of the new kid in the race, and he began to get a following.  “We got up to 17th about lap 70,” he added.  “I got under the 70, and he came down on me and pulled me into the hubrail.  We had a good run going, and were proud of how we were doing.”   The stats show he ended the race in 32nd spot, but that was no indication on how he raced in the Classic. That stat will go a long way in helping him get ready for this years 200 lapper.  “We have to be there at the end,” he emphasized.  “Not that many cars are around at the end, if you’re on the track at the end of the day, you’ll be ok.  The main thing is be on the track at the end.  Another thing is we will be more prepared this time.  I know what to expect now. I have to admit, I was intimidated by it last year.  It’s the best short track race in the world, and I was in it for the first time.  I was so nervous on the pace laps, I couldn’t wave to the crowd on the wave lap because I was so nervous, I couldn’t take my hands off the wheel. I‘m a bit more confident this year too,” he added.  “I know I can run the race, and I k now these cars a whole lot better this year. Last year was great doing it, but I was unprepared for it all.  We’re ready this time.”

That cheering section that followed his every move last year will be in place this year as well.  There are a pair of charter members of the Michael Barnes fan club that lead the group.  “My mom and dad have been great,” Michael said proudly.  “My dad has followed me every step of the way since I raced quarter midgets at age 6.  He‘s only missed one race since then.  My mom is awesome too.  She has always supported me, and she’s missed only like 7 races too.  That was tough too, because my sister was in things too, and my mom did everything she could.  They have been great!  They have been behind me 100%, and I can’t tell you how great a feeling that is!”

“Mike Murphy, I can’t thank enough. He’s 100% behind me, and wants to see me succeed. Pit Watson gave me my first limited ride, the old 43. Terry Solzazzo, thanks for the limited ride the last couple of years. We had our first victory together. Thanks also goe out to Barry Cann and Joey Witkum for giving me my first super ride last year at Classic. The Furlong’s gave me an opportunity to drive for them, and I will always be grateful for that. Bob Hoefer and Bill Samuels, we had our win in the 22 and they let me drive their car. Thanks guys! I would also like to give a shout out to ray Graham for giving me a shot at my first ISMA ride. I don’t do this alone, and I just want to thank everyone that has helped along the way!”

Last year Michael Barnes came into the Classic and pretty much flew under the radar.  They worked hard, made the show through the qualifiers and raced well.  They finished back in the pack, which didn’t show their true potential.  This year, he has blown that radar all apart, just as he did the Oswego record book when he won a feature in his fourth week of running a Supermodified. Michael Barnes has had a successful year in the Supermodified division and he looks for a successful Classic Weekend as well.  The nerves may still be there as they give the wave lap, but it’ll be down to business as soon as the green flag waves on the 50th annual International Classic.