Motorsport: Trophy caps off fine year for Baird

Craig Baird. Photo / Getty Images

Craig Baird's fine allround year was acknowledged at the MotorSport New Zealand premier awards ceremony in Wellington.

The Jim Clark Trophy went to Baird for his feat of winning the V8 Touring Car and Porsche GT3 championships in the same season, which also earned him a special citation for outstanding achievement.

Baird is among New Zealand's most successful racing drivers, having won 26 championships during a racing career spanning 30 years. The MotorSport Wall of Fame member, who also won the award in 1992, was unable to collect his award in person as he is racing in China.

Other finalists for the major award were V8 driver and team owner John McIntyre, of Nelson, and Mitch Evans, of Auckland, who had a standout season in the Toyota Racing Series.

The Rally Founders Trophy for the rally driver who performs with distinction nationally or internationally was presented to Hayden Paddon, of Geraldine, for the third year running while Evans was awarded the Steel Trophy, which recognises the outstanding under-21 driver.

- NZPA