As the years passed Don traded in the 57 for a 55 Chevy that was built for bracket racing. Don with the help of friends back-halfed the "new" 55 and converted the front suspension to a straight axle. For power, an injected 332 cubic inch small block chevy with a four-speed transmission was installed. Don painted the 55 a custom mixed candy yellow with candy tangerine graphics along with multi colored blow-dots. The car was named Clownin’ Around by sign painter Steve Feinberg who described the car as looking like circus, due to the wild colors and blow-dots.

Clownin’ Around became a well- known bracket car and evolved into a Super Gas car in the early 80's. The 55 went on to be featured in every major magazine along with TV shows and various commercials. Don’s son Todd eventually made his first runs down the race track behind the wheel of the 55 running high 10 second elapsed times.

In the late 90’s after several updates and paint jobs the outdated Clownin’ Around was dismantled and a new chassis was created with all of the new technology advancements. The latest Clownin’ Around is set to debut at the end of the 2004 season.

With the 55 in pieces the Barton’s spent their time driving various cars for other racers. The first car was the "Hitman" 70 Mustang that Don ran in So Cal Pro Gas, and Todd ran in So Cal Super Street. After two years of competing in Super Street Todd was offered a ride in a Super Eliminator dragster. The dragster was raced at both NHRA and So Cal Super Eliminator races in divison 7.

At the end of the 2000-racing season Todd had an opportunity to drive an Undercover dragster in Super Comp at the FMDRS event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. After driving the car that was for sale at the event the Barton’s made plans to purchase the car. In 2001 Barton Racing was expanded into a two-car team. With Clownin’ Around still under construction the Barton’s purchased the Undercover dragster which Todd still competes in today.

Todd has gone on to win at the local So Cal associations level and at the NHRA level both divisionally and nationally along with top 10 finishes in points on several occasions.