Tracking the Short Tracks: Barrie Speedway Competitor Robbie Sikes

Last year, Robbie Sikes put together an impressive season at Barrie Speedway that led to success throughout the season on his way to finishing solidly fifth in points. With his rookie season behind him, Sikes is set to compete for feature wins this year with Barrie’s elite.

Going into his sophomore year, Sikes took on the 15 questions that everybody has become used to.

1. How’d you get started in racing?

I got started in racing just like most local racers. It has always been a part of my family. Being born in Sault Ste Marie, we used to travel to Northern Michigan a lot when I was younger. When we moved to Orillia, we met Al Inglis and that led to me and my dad pitting for Rob Inglis, which got me into the sport in this area.

2. First Racing Memory

My first racing memory is travelling on weekends to different tracks and watching family and friends race. Having a trailer at a campground in Michigan made travelling to various tracks easier. The two tracks that I remember the most would be Onoway Speedway and Kinross Fairgrounds.

3. If you could be sponsored by any beverage company, which would you choose?

If I could be sponsored by any beverage, I would have to say Coca-Cola. I would put it at the top of my list as favorite drink. The Coca-Cola Racing family could use a Canadian in my opinion. LOL

4. Story behind your car number

The story behind the #37. It was run by a family friend who we used to travel with. As a child I used to love drawing race cars. When I got into racing myself, I looked through my drawings and 37 was the most common number.

5. What’s your nickname and what’s the story behind it?

I have a few nicknames. My original was Hillbilly Deluxe. I guess alot of people see me as a Hillbilly and I got started racing around the same time Brooks and Dunn released the song.

Also have Ruthless Robbie Sikes; this one comes from Spencer Lewis. I assume it comes from my driving style which can sometimes be deemed ruthless.

6. If you could race any NASCAR driver, who and why?

If I could race any NASCAR driver, I would love to race Dale Earnhardt. I like the agressive no hold back style. He would give you the bumper – not to wreck you just rattle your cage.

If you were looking for a current driver, I would say Chase Elliott. I believe that kid has phenomenal talent.

7. What’s life like outside of racing?

My life outside of racing- definitely not exciting lol. Racing is a time consuming and expensive hobby. I spend most of my time working. When I’m not working, I spend time with my Girlfriend and with family. I also have young dog to fill any other spare time.

8. If you were animal, what animal would you be?

If I was an animal, I would be a monkey. Well atleast that is what most people will tell you. Why? I don’t know lol. Alot of people call me Monkey occasionally so seems like the right answer.

9. Favourite pizza topping

Meat Lovers or Hawaiian.

10. Dream vacation spot

I’m gonna say Speedweeks at New Smyrna.

11. If you were stuck on an island, what’s one item that you must have?

If I were stuck on an island I would have to have cold beer. Food was first thought but I’m sure I could find something for that.

12. Favorite book

Circle Track Magazine; not a book but close as I get to a book.

13. Favorite movie

Stroker Ace

14. Favorite piece of technology

Television allows me to watch NASCAR Races.

15. Sponsors/People you would like to thank

I would like to thank my family, my girlfriend Sarah, Brian Murray and my crew for all the help getting the car ready and getting sponsors. Also Thank my 2014 Sponsors, RB Graffix, High Tech Tint Plus (Barrie), Bromley Automotive (Hawkestone), Dwinnell’s Moving (Barrie and Orillia), Hannahman’s Roadside BBQ (Barrie) and Ernie’s Performance. Also all the great fans who support local short track racing on a weekly basis!

Previous Tracking the Short Tracks Pieces…

April 2nd: Hanover Holiday Modified Competitor Bobby Tolton

April 7th: Varney Motor Speedway Mini Stock Competitor Scott Schuleter

April 8th: Sunset Speedway Super Stock Competitor Coltin Everingham

April 10th: Sunset Speedway 2013 Rookie of the Year Nick Tooley

April 14th: Peterborough Speedway Mini Stock Competitor Donovan Price

April 16th: Sunset Speedway Mini Stock Competitor Brandon McFerran

April 18th: Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup/Outlaw Modified Competitor Tim Tolton

April 22nd: Sunset Speedway Mini Stock Competitor Samantha Shaw

April 24th: Peterborough Speedway Mini Stock Competitor Rob Gosse

April 28th: Sunset Speedway Mini Stock Competitor Lisa DeLeeuw

April 30th: Sunset Speedway Mini Stock Competitor Brian Love

May 2nd: Sauble Speedway Mini Stock Competitor Morgan Robson

If you would like to be featured, send me an e-mail at ashleymccubbin@speedwaymedia.com.

About the Author

Ashley McCubbin

Joining OnPitRoad.com mid-2013 season, Ashley McCubbin is now the Managing Editor and contributes to each racing division as needed. Since studying journalism at the University of Guelph-Humber, Ashley has published articles on a couple of different websites, while serving as a public relations representative for different short track teams. Born in North York, Ontario, Ashley currently lives in Bradford, Ontario and spends her weekend at the local short tracks in the area. She has spent her entire life at the short track level, falling in love with the sport at the age of five. Beyond her love of short track racing, she also has grown an interest for both NASCAR and the IndyCar Racing Series. She also enjoys taking photos and working on websites, while playing a couple rounds of Candy Crush afterwards.

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