Craig Baird has been honoured with a special Porsche bonnet, recognising him as the most successful Carrera Cup driver in the world.
The bonnet, presented at Carrera Cup’s annual awards this evening, celebrated his 10th Carrera Cup championship which he wrapped up in the penultimate round at the Gold Coast.
Baird was handed the bonnet by close friend Greg Rust and Porsche Cars Australia motorsport manager Jamey Blaikie.
Baird’s wife Louise and his two children Brianna and Luca were present for the special prize giving, and he was also surprised by the appearance of his parents Stan and Sheryl.
Baird’s Porsche titles have been achieved in Australia and New Zealand Porsche competition, including 125 race wins and 10 championships.
“I found my niche in Porsches. (Tony) Quinny gave me a run in a Porsche after I was done with V8 Supercars, and I’m really happy with where it has taken me,” Baird said at the presentation
“I am humbled to be here.”
Baird said that he is honoured to race in Australia’s premier sports car championship.
“”The guys that I’m racing with are world class,” he said.
“I enjoy racing here, not only to win against guys like Alex (Davison), Dan (Gaunt) and Jonny (Reid), but I enjoy having a yarn with the new competitors.
“Carrera Cup is a level where you can mingle with everyone in pit lane. Categories like V8 Supercars are so commercial, that it’s hard for the guys to enjoy being there.”
Baird finished second overall at the Sydney Telstra 500 this weekend, behind series runner-up Reid.
Below is a list of the award winners at the Carrera Cup awards night.
Champion; Craig Baird
Runner up; Jonny Reid
Third place; Alex Davison
Elite Class Champion; Max Twigg
Elite Class runner up; James Koundouris
Elite Class third place; Tony Bates
TAG Heuer Fastest Lap Award (Pro): Jonny Reid
TAG Heuer Fastest Lap Award (Elite Class): Max Twigg
TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge Award: Max Twigg
Michelin Australia Sports Person of the Year: Daniel Gaunt
Team’s Championship: Alliance Group Racing
