| Wednesday, September 12, 2001 | |
| If it's got Wheels....... | by Sharon Fancher
 I had the opportunity to talk to a very talented Modified driver by the name of Robbie Hagar, along with his wife Cindy at Putnam County Speedway in Satsuma, Florida. Robbie was born Dec. 28, 1964 in Uniontown, Pa., and has a very outstanding and unique racing history. Robbie's family history in racing dates all the way back to the 1920s with his Grandfather's racing. So he explained to me that he had been around dirt racing all his life and that it is was obviously in his blood to become a racer himself.
Robbie said his Grandfather started racing back in the 1920s through the 30's, running the chopped up Model T's. Then his Dad Bounce (Yes that is his real name I was told ), and Mother both raced road racing and drag racing in the early 60's, with his Mother driving the drag car. His Dad raced for many years and did become a very successful Dirt Late Model Owner, with a multitude of drivers all over the North. His Dad in 1972 and 73, also had a brief stint as a Grand National (Now Winston Cup) car owner Larry Dickson, who is currently the Open Wheel Commentator on ESPN. He said his Dad also did a lot of work for other competitor's in the area.
Robbie's own racing history dates back some 30 years ago, with his career starting in go-carts at the age of 6, which lasted 10 years. At which time he managed to compile 2 WKA National 4 Cycle Titles And 3 Pennsylvania State Championships in 1978, 1979, 1980.
Then in 1980 he couldn't decide if he wanted to drive or build a car yet, and so deciding to crew on the cars. So from 1980 to 83 he was the Crew Chief for Kolp-Furr Racing and also Moore Racing in the Goody's Dash Series for driver Jeff Kolp. Also on his off weekends in the Dash Series, he crewed for various Late Model Teams with drivers such as Bob Wearing (In the Dave Shaffer Owned G4), David Spears (In the CJ Rayburn House car), Steve Baker (Now 1/2 Owner of The Rocket Chassis), and anyone else who would be willing to him along to the races.
He finally decided in 1984 to start his own driving career again, and began driving in the Street Stock/Limited Late Model class at Motordrome 70 Speedway in Smithton, Pa. He managed to compile 5 wins in his Rookie season and finished 4th in the points. He also accomplished 3rd place in the Cavalcade Racing News Rookie of the year in balloting.
In 1985 to the Present he has expanded his racing career to driving both asphalt and dirt race cars such as, Late Models, Modified's, and Limited Late Model's at different tracks around the state of Florida. He also has driven Sprints, Street Stocks, Hobby Stocks, and just about everything else you can think of. He raced the asphalt Late Model at New Smyrna Speedway, Volusia County Speedway, Orlando and other tracks in the South. He raced such races as the Hav-A-Tampa, STARS and UMP with the dirt Late Model.
From 1998 to 99 Robbie decided once again to take a little time off, due to just getting married to his wonderful wife Cindy and take the time to get his family life settled in. At this time he started building and repairing race cars for various customer's and started working toward establishing his own business, Fun Seeker Racing in Port Orange, Florida. Which he currently runs and manages today.
Robbie began his 2001 racing season driving his own 35 Fun Seeker Racing Super Late Model, during Speedweeks at Volusia County Speedway. He also ran several races at Thundercross Speedway and other tracks in the immediate south. His regular racing season started at Putnam County Speedway in Satsuma, Florida with this car and managed 4 consecutive 2nd place finishes in Late Models until the Late Model Class was dropped by the track Owner Bob Potter.
Robbie currently drives for Mike and Crystal Haseleu in their #5 Modified at Putnam County Speedway. Upon driving this car for the first time on Aug. 18, he managed to win his heat and finished 6th in the feature after being sent to the rear 3 times due to what he say's was poor sportsmanship on his part. He also stated he learned from this incident and poor sportsmanship will get you no where. He also ran Bill Kopka's Limited Late Model that night, starting last and making it to 6th place before the radiator hose broke finishing his night of racing.
The following week at Putnam he came back in the #5 Modified and won his feature running against the well known Marion Sizemore after starting 6th. Also at the drivers meeting that night, Mr. Bob Potter owner of Putnam County Speedway announced he had chosen Robbie to be one of his 360 Sprint car drivers for the 2002 Sprint class that he will be adding to the tracks agenda next year. Robbie said he had raced at the track before Mr. Potter took it over and swore to never return. But after taking his chances and coming back to see all the new changes Mr. Potter had made, he smiled and said now he can't wait to go back on Saturday.
Robbie wanted to give special thanks to all of his owners and sponsors which include, the #5 Modified owned by Mike and Crystal Haseleu, sponsored by, Haseleu's Transmission Service in Palatka, Fl., Shamrock Auto Exchange also in Palatka, X1R Oil Additive And Friction Eliminator, Hassy Chassis in WV which is owned by Mike's brother Jerry who built the chassis And Mike Haseleu who also builds his own motor's. Also Robbie's Late Model is owned by his business, "Fun Seeker Racing." Robbie's sponsor's on this car are, Rocket Chassis-with a special thanks to Steve Baker CO-owner, X1R Oil Additive And Friction Eliminator with a special thanks to his brother in law Chris Fornili, Andrex Car Cleaning Supplies, Fun Seeker Racing Chassis Parts And Supplies. Last but not least by no means, the 360 Sprint Car Robbie will be driving at Putnam next year is Owned by Bob Potter and is currently going to be sponsored by, Putnam County Speedway, Got Milk? , Shaw Race Cars, and Don Ott Engines. He is also currently seeking more sponsors for the 360 Sprint car.
He ended in saying that his wife Cindy and son Randy are always going to be his #1 priority, because they will always be his #1 fans! Robbie stated his plans for next year will include racing the # 5 Modified owned by Mike and Crystal Haseleu, and the 360 Sprint owned by the Putnam County Speedway owner Bob Potter. Robbie stated that if it wasn't for the continued support of his family, sponsors, and friends all this would have been almost impossible for him to accomplish.
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