Heartbreak for Dad, Victory for Son - Zbroz Race team

Weldon, Iowa (June 27, 2026) John Barnes of Yokley Racing brought a Polaris RZR Pro R, RZR 200, and a RZR 570 to Weldon, Iowa for a family outing of racing on Saturday for Round 2 of the Midwest SxS Series, where ideal racing conditions set the stage for an exciting day of cross-country competition. Temperatures stayed in the 70s, and while rain had moved through the area the day before, the course dried up nicely. The woods offered excellent traction, while the open sections developed a layer of dust throughout the race.

In the Pro Race, John got his Pro R fired up from the dead engine start to fifth off the line. Barnes quickly settled into a strong rhythm. Consistent lap times and smart passes allowed him to work his way into third before making another move into second.  With only a lap remaining in the two-hour race, Barnes had closed the gap to the leader and was applying heavy pressure while looking for the right opportunity to make a race winning pass.

Unfortunately, with just 15 minutes remaining and the victory within reach, a broken drive belt ended the team's charge at the 1-hour, 45-minute mark. While the result wasn't what the team had hoped for, the speed, consistency, and ability to race to the front were strong positives to build on heading into the next round. 

The Barnes family still had plenty to celebrate as John’s 8-year-old son, Evan Barnes, with 12-year-old co-pilot, Easton Barnes (oldest son), captured his first win in his RZR 200 in the Youth race. Their outstanding performance capped off a memorable day for the team and showcased the next generation of Barnes racers.

John and the entire team would like to thank their family, sponsors, crew, and everyone who continues to support them throughout the season. The team looks forward to coming back stronger at the next event at the IXCR on August 1.