On Wednesday, 29 June, “Rocket” Ron Haslam will be attending the Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace as an invited guest. Yes, one of motorcycle racing’s greats – a man many reading here know of well - will be sipping champagne with British royalty.
Haslam at the Queen’s Party
The invitation was presented to Ron Haslam in recognition for his “outstanding services to motor cycle sport” according to the wording from the crown. Having your name selected to attend one of the three Garden Parties hosted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace each year is most certainly an honor, but they do usually include roughly 8,000 guests. The way the party is choreographed, though, Rocket Haslam is guaranteed to at least meet and greet the Queen and Prince Philip.
Haslam will mix with British subjects from all over the political, social and economic spectrum; many of the attendees come from the Civil Service, the Armed Forces, charities and societies with the selection being mostly based on the good deeds done by the guests. The party’s focus is on the Queen and Royal Family meeting the many unsung heroes, both men and women, from British society, instead of the usual Presidents, Premiers and boring old diplomats. Ron Haslam will make for some very interesting conversation at this fiesta.
Rocket Ron Haslam
Ron Haslam turned 55 years-old just days ago on 22 June, making the invitation something of a surprise birthday gift. Haslam started his career on a 750 cc Norton when he was only 15 years-old, and he continually expanded his racing resume in those first few seasons taking on as many as eight different classes the same year and winning five races in one day twice - at Oulton Park and Carnaby in 1979. Haslam even made that year’s running of the Suzuka 8 hours in Japan, and landed a second-place finish with teammate Alex George.
The racing marvel Haslam had seat time on some iconic motorcycles as well. Once he was snatched up by the FIM Grand Prix World Championship, he campaigned the Rothman’s Honda NSR500, the Pepsi Suzuki RGV500 and the ultra-tech, hub-center steering equipped and Honda NS500-powered ELF GP bikes. In all, the humble Langley Mill (Derbyshire) boy with 9 siblings – he lost two of his brothers on the track - grew up to make 106 Grand Prix starts, land nine podiums, and finish as high as fourth position in the Championship of 1987.
Haslam Here and Now
Most race fans know that Ron Haslam’s son, Leon “Pocket Rocket” Haslam, is currently competing in the FIM World Superbike Championship with the BMW factory squad. That is where you will find the elder Rocket these days, too, as he works there alongside his son. When not globetrotting from race to race, he may be found at Silverstone instructing other racers at the Ron Haslam Race School or at home with his family in Smalley, Derbyshire.
Rocket Ron Haslam’s invitation to the Queen’s Garden Party is well earned over a life constantly dedicated to the sport of motorcycle racing. A good example for racers of all types on the track and a great inspiration for anyone pursuing their passion, Haslam will be guaranteed distinguished company even if he were the only person attending.
