The 1997 KOOL Toyota Atlantic Champion, moved across to the IRL, where he had trouble finding a regular drive and got his opportunities through injuries to other drivers.

This proved to be a steep learning curve from kart to open wheel race car, for the young racer.

However, a podium, a fastest lap and six top ten finishes won him to chance to race in Toyota Atlantic the following season.

[2] Barron in his rookie season in the KOOL Toyota Atlantic series, surprised everyone, including his team, Lynx Racing by dominating and winning the 1997 championship, taking five victories along the way.

In 2002, Barron switched to the IRL, signing for Blair Racing, where he finish fourth in Indianapolis 500, co-winning the Rookie of the Year.

Sadly, Blair Racing would fold at the end of the season, leaving Barron without a full-time drive for 2003.

It was with Mo Nunn that Barron scored his second IRL victory, in the 2003 Firestone Indy 400 at Michigan International Speedway.

Greg Beck signed him to run races part-time in the IndyCar Series for the 2007 season for CURB/Agajanian/Beck Motorsports.