Hello, my name is Byron Barnette. I was born in California, but I don't remember much about being there. Dad was in the Navy, and we move around a lot. I've also lived in Florida, Georgia, and Virgina. We moved to North Carolina in 1979 and I've been here ever since. I consider North Carolina home; I am located right in the middle of the state, about 3 hours from the beach, and 3 hours from the mountains.

Being unsure about what I wanted to do for a living, I started working full time right out of high school at a local grocery store. The last seven years at that job, I was the butcher (I must of been a good one, because I still got all my fingers...lol). After finally deciding that I wanted to work with technology, I went to college to get degrees in Electronic Engineering and Computer Engineering. I work now for a grocery retailer as a Systems Analyst (with a background in application development).

A few years after moving to North Carolina, I met my wife Terry. She has put up with me now for 25 years. We have two sons, Magnum and "Boo". We also have a new daughter-in-law Ashley (Magnum's wife).

My hobbies include hiking in the mountains, photography, golfing, tennis, sim racing (of course), and watching the Panthers play football. For the past 4 years, Boo and I have gone to Spartenburg, South Carolina for the Panther's training camp. We also drive down to Charlotte about 3 or 4 times a season to cheer them on and watch them play.

I've enjoyed sim racing ever since I started about 3 years ago. I've been in a some great leagues, and met a bunch of really cool folks. None of the leagues I've been part of, however, compare to the league here at Christian Racing. CR is a well run, well managed league with respectful drivers here to have fun and fellowship. I am thankful to be a part of this experience.

Byron Barnette at the Richard Petty Driving experience in Charlotte

Byron Barnette's state of the art simulation cockpit (note the spare kitchen chair complete with pillow to keep the bum from getting numb)