George Barton, left.
By Chad Meyer
For many years George Barton was the owner-operator of the True Value Hardware store in Ankeny. For thirty five years, Barton had a second career in the sport of racing as car builder, car owner, racer and track promoter and track co-owner.
Barton was one of central Iowa’s toughest to strap into to a race car. He was the winner of the first ever Dayton Grand Nationals, held in 1965, besting many of Iowa’s top drivers.
While Lone Rock’s Butch Householder was the winner of the 1966 Dayton Grand Nationals, Barton continued his success in the marquee event after it moved to the new Boone Speedway. He collected three more Grand National wins in 1967, 1969 and 1973.
He frequented the Algona track during that time period and was always a contender, posting multiple feature wins.
After retiring from active driving, Barton went on to race track promotion, operating the track in Boone, in addition to stints at Marshalltown and the Iowa State Fair Speedway in Des Moines.
He served eight-years in the Navy Reserves and was active in the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce and Rotary.
Barton passed away at the age of 73December 28, 2006. George was born in Des Moines, IA, January 2, 1933.
