Behind The Blair “White” Project

by editor on Nov.25, 2016, under Hotzone

Alberta-based self admitted “gear head” Rob Blair is now most certainly living out his dream….

Blair, is a highly successful businessman from within land development based from Calgary who has since sold off his previously owned companies. He has now shifted focus to his very real passion within the sport of drag racing following the establishment of his multi-dimensional RBR Racing Team.

Alberta’s Rob Blair is at the forefront of an aggressive and multi dimensional Canadian drag racing team.

Rob’s primary project is a truly cutting edge Factory Super Stock-classed Mustang Cobra Jet which he first ventured into about three seasons ago. That is a 5.4 litre (330 CID) overhead cam powered 2012 model Cobra Jet which is 8.1 secs and nearly 170 mph capable.

“This was originally a 2010 “body in white” from Ford that has been upgraded to a 2012 model,” revealed Blair. “I’ve been running the car in this configuration for two years now. B&B Chassis and Accufab Engineering did the build for me.”

Prior to this Mustang, Rob did have some involvement in Super Stock class racing – running an older style and Hemi-powered 1970 Barracuda.

“I still own that car Barracuda – but there is a lot more maintenance involved for racing that,” Rob admitted. “There really is a big difference in how the modern day stuff stays together. It is true that it costs more to get into a late model car initially — but after that the lower cost to maintain and run the car is very real and attractive. This Mustang doesn’t break down very much – it’s a far more reliable and consistent car to drive too I find.”

Rob Blair’s 170 mph capable Mustang launches off the starting line at Pomona.

Rob has become a real fixture within NHRA’s Northwest Divisional Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series as well as at Western NHRA national event races. His propensity for running very fast sub index has earned him numerous and significant #1 qualifier positions as well some late round elimination finishes and event wins.

During this past summer, Rob did full-fill a personal dream and goal when he raced at Indy for the first time in his career when he entered his Cobra Jet for the prestigious NHRA Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals.

“That was a great experience – I couldn’t believe the magnitude of the event entry list,” Rob admitted. “I came away from that race with a fresh and optimistic feeling. It really seems to me that the sport is doing better – especially in Super Stock class racing.”

Rob’s involvement in drag racing is not limited to his FSS/B classed Mustang. He has a couple other ventures on the go including owning a Suncoast Chassis 1963 Corvette Top Sportsman car with which he is looking to further dive into competition with next season.

Arguably however, Rob’s biggest impact overall in drag racing so far would probably be his new association with Medicine Hat’s Kristen Ashby and the introduction of the very first Canadian-based NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle team – which happened mid last summer.

“My background actually was first with motorcycles dating back to when I was a kid,” Rob reflected. “This is a 2007 Suzuki Hayabusa hybrid that was in fact David Schultz’s last motorcycle. I met Kristen and her husband Shane at the drag strip in Medicine Hat a couple years ago – we connected — and the rest is now history. I think it’s cool and exciting what we have done together so far (first Canadians to enter NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle) and we’ve got some great ideas coming up. (Including a new bigger motor program and introduction of fuel injection).”

“In 2016 Kristen was able to cut her teeth in the class and gain some experience and our team will progress forward from there.” he concluded. “Our long term objective is to get her running with the best in the class.”