As the grandson of Jim and Lorraine and the son of Roy and Angie, Robbie Haslam, along with his younger brother Michael, was born into oval track auto racing.
At the age of 2, Robbie could be found in his Dad’s racecar shop, putting wheel nuts on the studs of mounted tires and attempting to use the large “star” wrench to tighten them. Always a good listener, he learned much from his Dad and the experienced crew members who regularly worked in the shop.
At the age of 4, Robbie began his driving career racing BMX bikes and GoKarts and won many trophies in the years that he competed in those divisions. Starting at age 16, he raced in Western Speedway’s “Claimer” class and was very successful, also building his own cars. In addition, he competed in special events such as the “Train Race”, pulling his buddy Kelsey around the track upside down and sideways, thrilling the crowd. He was also a favourite in the “Boat and Trailer” races, being in control whether right side up or upside down.
From 1985 to 1989, Robbie again raced GoKarts for Roy Brydon which included competing in the “Nationals” in Toronto where he captured a 3rd place finish.
Competing in Stockcars and Late Models, which included a very special victory in his grandparent’s memorial race, Robbie has also driven Sprint cars for Randy Price, Gord and Rod Rendle plus two years for Monty Zema in “NSRA”. In his 30 years behind the wheel he has driven and won in every local class with the exceptions of Dwarf cars and Old Timers. He began serving in the Starter’s position at Western Speedway in 1990 and is currently “Race Director” along with Darrell Crocker.
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- 1987 At Western – Robbie in Victory Square following a Bomber class dash win (photographer unknown).
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- 1997 at Western – Robbie Haslam’s #11 Buick “Thunder Car” (photographer unknown).
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- 2005 at the “Bullring at Las Vegas Fall Classic” – Robbie in the #71 “Just Heads” Monte Carlo (photographer unknown).
