Gene Barnett had a long and distinguished career in motorsports. As a participant, he competed in county fair events around central Nebraska prior to World War II. When racing started at Capitol Beach in the early 1950s, Barnett was invaluable working as a promoter, flagman, pit steward, photographer and just about any other job that needed to get done. Soon, Barnett’s services were sought by other tracks throughout the region as well. After Capitol Beach closed, his regular gig was Midwest Speedway in north Lincoln, but he still helped with other facilities and also worked for National Speedways, Inc.