Barton Racing owner Dr. Eric W. Barton, standing, fifth from left, presents a $20,000 donation to Pellissippi State Community College President Dr. L. Anthony Wise Jr. to benefit Pellissippi State Community College Motorsports endeavors.

Barton Racing owner Dr. Eric W. Barton has donated $20,000 to Pellissippi State Community College Foundation for their Motorsports club to support the group’s enthusiasm for racing and educational pursuits.

Pellissippi State Community College Motorsports (PSCC) competed in 2019 for the first time at the Formula SAE Michigan at Michigan International Raceway. Students designed and built a small formula-style race car with open cockpit and exposed wheels. The annual event is hosted by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).

Barton’s donation assisted the club’s efforts to build the car and field an entry in the competition; PSCC was the only community college in attendance among more than 100 teams from around the world. Competition judges, who are experienced in the racing industry, rated speed, efficiency, acceleration, design and cost effectiveness.

“The team passed all safety inspections, and the judges said this was the best first-year car,” said Barton, an East Tennessee businessman and proponent of racing and higher education. “Pellissippi State Community College Motorsports brings together students in multiple fields of study, including mechanical engineering and automotive design, who have a passion for racing.”

The motorsports group started in 2017 and now consists of 20 students, five faculty members and one volunteer mentor. Students in the club attend Pellissippi State Community College, the University of Tennessee and Austin Peay State University. Christian Boone, a former Pellissippi State student who transferred to UT to finish his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, founded and leads the club.

Pellissippi State Community College Motorsports’ students do not earn course credit for participation but do gain valuable hands-on and networking experience in the industry.

The group is seeking additional supporters and partnerships to improve on the race car in 2020. To help Pellissippi State Community College Motorsports, please visit sites.pstcc.edu.

About Barton Racing
Eric Barton Racing is “Dream Driven” and provides VIP experiences on and off the racetrack, including personal racing instruction, luxury travel, wine tastings and other unique experiences. For more information, visit bartonvip.com.