Robblee returns to drive competition crazy

Delaware 's seven-time driving champion is back after a two-year absence

By JIM CRESSMAN – London Free Press Sports Reporter

Delaware Speedway late model drivers, that No. 28 car in your mirror is not a mirage.

It really is seven-time track champion Steve Robblee, returning to the half-mile oval where his illustrious racing career began.

Robblee has been away from full-time racing at Delaware for almost two years. Last year he ran -- and won -- the new Ontario Sportsman Series.

"We think we've got the right package," Robblee, 46, said of the car he'll be running Friday nights at Delaware . "We bought a used car in the winter and we've brought it up to our standards."

Delaware opens its 57th season on Friday at 8 p.m. Delaware and Merrittville Speedway in Thorold are the oldest stock car tracks in Canada .

Robblee will also run the eight-event OSS (each consisting of twin 50-lappers) this year at Cayuga, Mosport, Sauble, Peterborough and Barrie .

His son Matt competed against dad in that new series last year.

"That was a lot of fun," Robblee said of the father-and-son competition. "That series is a good learning ground for young drivers because it takes them to different tracks."

Robblee had thought about retirement last year, but said competing against his 20-year-old son rejuvenated his love for the sport.

"We'll be racing something next year," Robblee predicted after winning the OSS championship.

It turns out that "something" is Delaware .

He was asked if there's an eighth track championship in his 2008 car.

"We've tested twice, but who knows? We never did plan on doing that (winning seven championships) when we started. If you try, bad things happen. You're best to just go race. We just really tried to win the feature at the end of the night and let the other stuff take care of itself."

He said if anybody had asked him when he started if he'd eventually have seven track titles, more than 100 CASCAR wins and almost 200 career victories, he said he would have laughed at them.

"Not a chance. It was three years before we won a feature."

Robblee and team partner Gerry Findlay are beginning their 10th year together.

Findlay came to London from Ottawa in 1989 and has had Earl Ross, Dave Whitlock and Billy Rowse, Jr., drive for him, but said there's been nobody like Robblee.

"They all have their own accomplishments and I respect and appreciate what they've done for me, but Steve still amazes me," Findlay has said of Robblee.

"I've enjoyed racing with Steve and look forward to finishing off my career with him. I don't think I'll ever get tired of watching him on the track."

Robblee said what began as an association with Findlay , "grew into a partnership and now a great friendship."

The late models will be joined by the super stocks and open-wheel modifieds on the opening-night program.

Jesse Kennedy of Southwold is defending late model champion, Ray Morneau of Windsor defending super stock champion and Mark Watson of St. Thomas defending open-wheel champion.