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June 20th , 2006 - Robbie Blair!

On May 30th we posted a 10 Questions with a promising young racer by the name of Max Blair. Well today we got his old man, The Titusville Terror himself to step up and answer a few questions. Special thanks to Bill Blair for setting us up and thanks to Rob for humoring us. Enjoy!

1. To start off, we’d like to know the origins of the number Won11. For those of us who don’t know could you explain how it came to be on the side of the car?

My number used to be 111.  I wanted the same number, just a little different because my dad was 111.  Some one came up with WON11.  We all thought it was unique so that’s what we went with.

2. Your early late models bore a resemblance to Tim Hitt’s cars. We had heard that was because you were a fan, is there any truth to that?

I always liked Tim Hitt, but Flinner is the one who came up with the design for my cars.

3. You have had success in every class of race car that you’ve driven on dirt. Is there a particular car or class that you enjoy(ed) the most? Why?

I have really enjoyed each class I have run.  They all have their own set of challenges.  If I had to choose one, I would say late models.  Over the past few years, I have had the opportunity to travel a little, which has really improved my own racing program.  I enjoy competing against guys like Chub Frank, Mike Balzano, Rod Conley, etc.

4. What is the biggest win of your career (not necessarily pay) and what did it mean for you?

There are actually two races that come to mind.  The biggest would have to be Fall Fest X, because it really helped with my racing program.  I really like Challenger.  Any time we’ve been there, you’ve been able to race anywhere on the track.  Last year’s Conococheague 100 at Hagerstown had to be one of the biggest highlights of my season.  We’re usually not real good there, and the win was a surprise to my whole crew.  I’m not sure if we were lucky, or if we’ll be a little better the next time we visit Hagerstown.

5. You were offered a spot on the World of Outlaws touring roster a few years ago but rumor has it you passed on that offer. True story? If so, is there any scenario where we will see Rob Blair tour with one of the national circuits?

Yeah.  I believe it was a couple years ago in Florida that I was asked to be a member of the Dirty Dozen.  I declined for a couple reasons.  One, I have a family and have to work full time.  When we looked at the schedule they were running, it just wasn’t practical for us.  Secondly, I enjoy what I am doing now.  The MACS series fits what I am able to do with my racing program.

6. Word Association: We mention a name, you tell us the first thing that comes to mind:

MACS - Good regional series and a great group of guys.
Brad Bossard - Like a father.  If it was not for him, I would not be racing.
Chub Frank - One of the best in the country.  He has helped me to get where I am in late models.
Tri-City Speedway – I wish they ran late models.
Lori - A great wife who supports my racing by letting me race whenever and wherever I want to.
Max - The kid’s got talent.
WVMS – Not really my style of track, but definitely a nice facility.

7. When Rob isn’t racing or working on the cars, we can expect to find him_____?

With the costs involved in this sport, it is difficult to keep up with everything to be competitive.  When I’m not racing, I do a lot of work for other drivers.  Over the winter I built a few stock chassis (a couple of them complete cars), built interiors and bodies for a few e-mods, and I did some work on a couple late models.  Just like everybody else in the sport, I need to be able to support what I love to do.  So when I am not at the track, most of the time you’ll find me in the garage.  When I can, I do enjoy hunting.

8. Part 1: Has it changed your outlook on racing now with your son Max behind the wheel?

No, just costs more money.  I am glad that I have the opportunity to stay close to home and watch him race.

Part 2: What will it mean some day to be out there lined up next to him in a heat race?

Max said that I would probably spin him for the win.  I don’t think I would take it to that extreme, but I don’t see where it would hurt to move him.

Honestly, it would be great to have the opportunity to race against him.  I always wanted to be able to race against my father, but I never got the chance to experience what that was like.  I think it would be great for both of us.

9. What are your three best racing memories? Your three worst?

Best:
1. Fall Fest X – Definitely the biggest win of my career.
2. Hillbilly 100 – I started 21st and passed Billy Moyer for the lead on lap 93.  I got a little excited and messed up.  Once he got back by me, I couldn’t get myself calmed back down and into a rhythm.
3. MACS Championship – Overall, I would say that it had to be one of my best
seasons in a late model.

Worst:
1. Fall Fest IX – I won the B-Main from 10th.  After starting towards the back of the field in the feature, I took the lead somewhere around lap 30.  I got into a lapped car and messed up my steering, and ended up 3rd.
2. Hillbilly 100 – A little disappointing settling for 2nd after being 5 laps away from winning one of the biggest races in the country and $25,000. 
3. Flip at McKean – That was a wild ride!

10. In the last few years we’ve seen the Won11 travel west to Eldora. Is it safe to say that is the one race that you would like to win the most (World) or is there another one that would mean more to you?

That’s a tough track to get a hold of.  Winning at Eldora is an accomplishment any racecar driver would like to do.  Although we’ve struggled a little when we’ve been there, we’ll be back.

11. 10 years from now will we still see Robbie Blair in the win column on dirt?

I hope so.  The competition is getting tougher and tougher every year.  No matter where you go, there are usually 10-15 cars that can win on any given night.  As a fan of the sport, we are pretty fortunate to have the talent that we have (in all classes) in Northwest Pa.

I would like to take the time to thank all of our sponsors for the time and dedication to our racing program.  Without them, we couldn’t do what we’re doing.  Special thanks to Bossard’s Used Auto Parts, Specialty Products, Maloney Tool & Mold, Armstrong Lumber, Chelby’s Tanning & Hair Garage, Farr Motorsports, Genesis Racing Shocks, Flinner Signs and Decals, Slavic Custom Racing Shirts, Dano Racing Helmets, Simpson, Hoosier Tires, Rocket Chassis, and VP Racing Fuels.

Thanks!!   

Major thanks to Rob for taking the time to answer our little questions. For more info including Rob's 2006 schedule visit his website at: http://www.blairwon11.com.