Sam Haslam

Mixing it with so many excellent young riders was undoubtedly an excellent way to become successful in the trials world. Sam Haslam was fortunate to come through the ACU process in the good company of Michael Brown, James Dabill, Ross Danby and Alexz Wigg to name but a few. Very quiet in his nature, they are all still very good friends who have matured through life and still compete on a regular basis – still ‘bashing bars’ shall we say. For the majority of his trials career, Sam has ridden Gas Gas machinery, with support from the UK importer John Shirt. With the changes at Gas Gas, after KTM acquired it, he decided it was time for a move. Having fancied riding a four-stroke for a few years, he has moved in 2020 to a Montesa Cota 301 RR sponsored by John Lee Motorcycles. We decided it was time to have a nice quiet catch up with Sam and his thoughts on ‘four-stroking’.

Were you ready for a change of machinery?

If I am 100% honest, yes I was; I had been on the red Gas Gas machines for the best part of the last 20 years. They are superb machines. I cannot tell you enough just how good they are. Over the years, I have tried other machines, and I briefly moved to Scorpa in 2007. The Scorpa importers, Nigel and June Birkett, were wonderful with me, but it was not for me; again, nothing wrong with the machine, just myself looking to further my career.

You had some strong successes on the Gas Gas machines

I have so many fond memories from riding the Gas Gas. Like any young rider, I had world championship ambitions after a very successful ACU youth career. As we went into the year 2000, I moved onto a Gas Gas 125cc and eventually won the ACU C class Youth British Championship. On the superb 200cc, I won the B class in 2003 and finally won the A class Championship on a 250cc in 2005.

Did you compete abroad?

Yes, I aimed to compete in as many selected World Youth 125cc Cup trials as we could afford to do, and I achieved a few podium places — second being my best. It was difficult for me as I chose to swap from riding a 280cc in the UK and a 125cc abroad; they are two very different machines. I competed the World Junior Championship in 2007 and managed to finish fifth in the overall championship even after missing two of the rounds.

Travelling was good fun but very expensive and, on reflection, they were fantastic times. The competitions were well organised, and the events were so competitive with so many riders all fighting for the podium; the marks lost would sometimes be very close.

How did the transition go with the move into the adults’ classes?

My first main objective was to win the Adult British Expert British Championship, which I achieved in my first year in 2006. It was a very competitive year, fighting at every round for the win with Joe Baker and Dan Thorpe as the main opposition. It was ‘winner takes all’ at the final round, and I held my nerve to take the title.

Was it trials all the way for the next few years?

It was very much a way of life in the Haslam household. On the 300cc Gas Gas, I moved up to my best-ever finishing position in 2011 of third behind James Dabill and Michael Brown in the ACU British Championship. It was around this time I chose to take a different direction in life and put trials as my ‘hobby’ if you like. My profession is a flooring fitter, and riding the Gas Gas was now limited to my spare time.

But you were still competitive?

Yes, very much so. I had a good relationship with John Shirt after many years of riding for him. He was very understanding when I spoke to him and told him that I was not able to ride my machine full time as I had to look at my future and start a career outside of trials that would bring me an income. I would compete in all the UK Nationals and British Championships, Scottish Six Days Trial and Scott; I still loved competing, and most importantly, I was enjoying my riding.

And so to the Montesa

I have always been very good friends with the Lee family, in particular, Jack and Chas at the John Lee Motorcycles’ shop. When they acquired the Montesa dealership in 2019, I had a ride on one of the four-stroke machines, and I was favourably impressed. I spoke with the Lee boys, and we agreed with a deal to compete in 2020 in the ACU Trial2 British Championship, and of course, the Scottish and as many other events as I fancied; it was my type of deal, and it suited both parties.

And you have a clothing sponsor?

I remain the best of friends with John Shirt and, through his import side of the business, Trialendurodirect online retail, I will use Mots helmets, S3 clothing and Stylmartin boots.

Before I close, I would like to thank everyone who has helped me enjoy my life and times in the trials world. Long may it continue!

“It [2006] was a very competitive year, fighting at every round for the win with Joe Baker and Dan Thorpe as the main opposition. It was ‘winner takes all’ at the final round, and I held my nerve to take the title.”

“When they acquired the Montesa dealership in 2019, I had a ride on one of the four-stroke machines, and I was favourably impressed.”