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"Drag Racing Mourns loss of Bubba Barnes "
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 23, 2008
Television producer and videographer Timothy Scott “Bubba” Barnes, whose career in
motorsports spanned thirty years, passed away on Friday, March 21, 2008, after battling
cancer since the summer of 2007.
A long time racing enthusiast, Barnes began his television career as a news cameraman
with WCYB-TV in his hometown of Bristol, TN, and became a cameraman for ESPN’s
drag racing coverage in 1985. He became one of the original employees of Masters
Entertainment Group (MEG) in Bristol and went on to produce and direct MEG television
shows for a variety of networks including ESPN, ESPN2 and SPEED Channel.
Barnes was responsible for all facets of production of MEG’s weekly “Inside Drag Racing”
series which covered hundreds of events from dozens of racing associations. He also
produced the “Street Rodder” weekly series for ESPN and was the chief videographer for
“NHRA Heat” and dozens of other television programs. As chief videographer for MEG for
the past decade, Barnes attended over one hundred events per season and covered a
wide range of motorsports. He maintained close relationships with thousands of
individuals throughout the racing world including drivers, crew chiefs, constructors and
officials though out his career.
Barnes actively participated in sprint car racing and drag racing and was also a capable
builder of street rods and Harley-Davidson motorcycles. His knowledge of all aspects of
hot rodding was employed in his television productions and helped garner major
attention of MEG television shows resulting in numerous industry awards.
A native of Richlands, VA, he was the son of the late Fred and Ruth McGlothin Barnes. He
was a former member of the Sullivan County Planning Commission and was a member
of the National Harley Owners Group. Mr. Barnes was a member of Poplar Ridge
Christian Church.
Survivors include his wife Kimberly L. Barnes, daughter Megan Lee Barnes, son Brandon
S. Barnes, U.S. Air Force, Turkey; a brother William (Sandy) Marrs and his wife Peggy,
Ocala, FL; and a sister-in-law, Lisa A. Simpson and her husband Ricky, Bluff City, TN.
“Bubba” Barnes enjoyed the friendship of many of racings’ biggest stars. “Everyone liked
Bubba” said Ted Jones, MEG President. “Everyone respected his opinion, he was an
integral member of our company and like the fans and racers who knew him, and we will
miss him tremendously.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 23, 2008
Television producer and videographer Timothy Scott “Bubba” Barnes, whose career in
motorsports spanned thirty years, passed away on Friday, March 21, 2008, after battling
cancer since the summer of 2007.
A long time racing enthusiast, Barnes began his television career as a news cameraman
with WCYB-TV in his hometown of Bristol, TN, and became a cameraman for ESPN’s
drag racing coverage in 1985. He became one of the original employees of Masters
Entertainment Group (MEG) in Bristol and went on to produce and direct MEG television
shows for a variety of networks including ESPN, ESPN2 and SPEED Channel.
Barnes was responsible for all facets of production of MEG’s weekly “Inside Drag Racing”
series which covered hundreds of events from dozens of racing associations. He also
produced the “Street Rodder” weekly series for ESPN and was the chief videographer for
“NHRA Heat” and dozens of other television programs. As chief videographer for MEG for
the past decade, Barnes attended over one hundred events per season and covered a
wide range of motorsports. He maintained close relationships with thousands of
individuals throughout the racing world including drivers, crew chiefs, constructors and
officials though out his career.
Barnes actively participated in sprint car racing and drag racing and was also a capable
builder of street rods and Harley-Davidson motorcycles. His knowledge of all aspects of
hot rodding was employed in his television productions and helped garner major
attention of MEG television shows resulting in numerous industry awards.
A native of Richlands, VA, he was the son of the late Fred and Ruth McGlothin Barnes. He
was a former member of the Sullivan County Planning Commission and was a member
of the National Harley Owners Group. Mr. Barnes was a member of Poplar Ridge
Christian Church.
Survivors include his wife Kimberly L. Barnes, daughter Megan Lee Barnes, son Brandon
S. Barnes, U.S. Air Force, Turkey; a brother William (Sandy) Marrs and his wife Peggy,
Ocala, FL; and a sister-in-law, Lisa A. Simpson and her husband Ricky, Bluff City, TN.
“Bubba” Barnes enjoyed the friendship of many of racings’ biggest stars. “Everyone liked
Bubba” said Ted Jones, MEG President. “Everyone respected his opinion, he was an
integral member of our company and like the fans and racers who knew him, and we will
miss him tremendously.”
Timothy Scott “Bubba” Barnes
