It is with a heavy heart to share with you the passing of our dear friend, Barbara “Mom” Nesbitt. Barbara Nesbitt, better known as Mom, was one of the toughest and fastest women in racing, as well as, a dear friend. She was one of the first women to jump on board and support Car Chix when we first got organized back in 2010. She will be missed dearly…
Barb raced for many years with her family in the National Muscle Car Association (NMCA) series. Barb and her son, Tony were a force to be reckoned with at the track. Going rounds and bring home countless championship wins. It was truly a family affair racing with the Nesbitts’ and Team Midnight. Barb loved her family more than anything.
“You ask what would life be if we didn’t drag race, and I’ve got to tell you, I’ve never thought about that It’s just what we do,” Barb stated in a interview with Daily Herald back in 2010.
May 15, 2010 Outlaw Street Car Shootout at Cordova Dragway Park
Of the family drag racing team, Barb Nesbitt was the first to get behind the wheel. She raced a gorgeous 1967 Camaro that she eventually entered in competition in the Nostalgia Pro Street Class for NMCA. Her son, Tony later joined Mom in the same class. There were a number of times the Mother and Son Team ended up racing each other. As years went on, Tony eventually moved up to the Super Street Class in his 2002 Corvette as Barb continued in the Nostalgia Pro Stock Class.
Summer of 2010 was Barb’s last pass down the track. She was racing her brand new mid-7 second Camaro at zMAX Dragway in Concord, North Carolina when she was involved in a terrible accident. She was blessed to have walked away with her life. Even during this tragic time of uncertainty, Barb never lost her spark. She always had a positive attitude, a beaming smile and never gave up, on anything. Tougher than nails… She was determined that she going to race again.
On January, 14, 2016, Barb Nesbitt passed after a courageous battle with cancer. She passed in the comfort of her home surrounded by her beloved family. Barb was the mother to 5 amazing children and 7 beautiful grandchildren. She was admired and loved by the racing community locally and world-wide. She touched the lives of countless people near and far.
If you never met Barb, you sure missed out. She was truly one of the most courageous,strongest and inspirational women that I have ever had the honor of knowing. She spoke freely and openly with a heart of gold. If you ever ran into Barb at the race track or function, she was always so welcoming. There was just always something about Barb that made you feel special and made you want to smile. We are truly blessed to have had Barb in our lives.
Godspeed Barb <3 Until we meet again…
Barb & Jeanette
FUNERAL SERVICE INFO
Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 20 from 4pm to 8 pm at Brust Funeral Home, 135 South Main Street, Lombard, Illinois.
Funeral Service will be held Thursday, January 21 with prayers at 12:45 pm from Brust Funeral Home to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Lombard, Illinois for 1:15 pm Mass. Private Interment.
Source: Brust Funeral Home
