01/09/2026
BEYOND THE TRACK – Volume 8
Robbie Ward
Born in Gawler, South Australia, in 1995, Robbie Ward is the youngest son of Bazz and Sue Ward.
He also has an older brother, Evan. While not related by blood, Robbie is quick to point out that "Big Bro E" has always been family—a reflection of the values that have shaped the Ward family throughout their lives.
Robbie spent his early childhood in Lyndoch before the family moved to their farm at Sandy Creek, nestled in the picturesque Barossa Valley, when he was almost five years old.
He attended Lyndoch Primary School before continuing his education at Nuriootpa High School, leaving at the end of Year 11 in 2011 to pursue an apprenticeship as a mechanic—a career perfectly suited to someone who had spent most of his childhood with a spanner in hand.
Tractor pulling has been woven into Robbie's life for as long as he can remember. One of his earliest memories is travelling with his family to the first Tintinara Tractor Pull in late 2003 or early 2004.
Not long afterwards came the annual Easter pilgrimage across the border to Quambatook, where he proudly watched his father, Bazz, climb aboard the legendary Flat Stick to compete in the ever-popular Butcher's Picnic Pull.
The Ward family's first event as competitors came at Barmedman in 2005 with Rumpus, and from that day forward they became one of the most recognised and respected families in Australian tractor pulling.
Today, Robbie campaigns the ever-competitive Rumpus owned by his father Bazz, while Bazz drives the iconic Ford Es**rt panel van Bizzee B, proudly owned by Robbie’s mum Sue and is a crowd favourite, a machine that has become one of the most recognisable vehicles in the sport.
For Robbie, one memory stands above the rest. At just 15 years of age, he was given the opportunity to drive the famous Plum Crazy at Finley in 2011.
It was his very first pull and a moment he will never forget—a young driver climbing into one of the sport's most iconic tractors and beginning a journey of his own.
Despite his competitive nature, Robbie has never believed that trophies are what define the sport.
"We're here for the sport. It isn't about winning—it's about the friendships we've made and the fun we have."
Those simple words perfectly capture the spirit of tractor pulling and explain why people like Robbie are so valued within the ATPA family.
That same passion and creativity have also led Robbie and a group of mates to build remote-controlled pulling tractors powered by small whipper-snipper engines.
What began as a bit of fun in the pits after events has grown into an entertaining attraction, with demonstrations now becoming a popular feature at tractor pulls and bringing plenty of smiles to competitors and spectators alike.
From a very young age, Robbie was always in the shed alongside his dad, building, repairing and creating something. Those countless hours not only taught him valuable mechanical skills but also instilled the work ethic, passion and dedication that Robbie has become so well known for. Those qualities are evident in everything Robbie does today.
His love of motorsport extends well beyond tractor pulling.
At just 15 years old, Robbie built his first race car—a Holden Jackaroo—to compete at Loveday 4WD Park. That passion soon evolved into off-road racing, where he now competes in a Class 4 Trophy Truck. Along the way he has also raced go-karts, dirt circuit cars and Figure 8 jump races, proving that if it has wheels and an engine, Robbie is never far away.
The Ward family represents everything that makes Australian tractor pulling so special. Their commitment extends far beyond competition; they are passionate custodians of the sport's history, generous supporters of the ATPA community and people who are always willing to lend a hand wherever needed.
To Robbie, Bazz, Sue and the entire Ward family—thank you for your unwavering dedication, your friendship and everything you continue to give to the sport of Australian tractor pulling. Families like yours are the reason our sport continues to thrive, and your legacy will be remembered for generations to come.
