Kiwi Craig Baird has finished the first event on the 2010 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia third overall after two races supporting the Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai in the weekend.
Driving a brand-new 2010 specification Porsche GT3 type 997, Baird faced tough opposition from 22 other teams also contesting the series.
The first time the 39-year-old Queensland based Kiwi has raced the 5.451 kilometre circuit in China, crucial setup changes did not work as calculated. Instead Baird could do little more than chase the time difference having qualified to start the first race from fourth position.
“We’re still trying to establish the setup window of these new cars – and while a wrong choice puts you on the back-foot, it’s the fastest way to learn a lesson,” said Baird.
Fourth in the first race and third in the second, the overall points currently award Baird third place in the title standings of the eleven round series.
“They’re solid points and while it’s not the result we’d expect, we’ve got a lot more to come from the car. It’s going to be a tough season and if it’s one thing Kiwi’s do well – is tough.”
Supported by New Zealand made brand VnC Cocktails, Baird also had two mechanics working with him from his championship winning Triple X Motorsport team.
“Looking for bigger gains we’ve learned some tough lessons, so as a team we’re a lot stronger – now we’ve got a month to turn that information in to better results,” he added.
Trailing series leading and defending champion Christian Menzel (Germany) who won both the weekend races, Baird also sits behind former champion Darryl O’Young (Hong Kong). Returning home in the interim, the team travel back to China in May for the second event on the calendar: the Beijing Goldenport circuit, 21-23 May.
Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Championship – overall points (after two of 11 rounds) – top-five.
N.B. each race is classified a race round
1. C Menzel (GER), 41
2. D O’Young (HKG) 36
3. C Baird (NZL) 30
4. M Sun (SIN) 24
5. R Chong (SIN) 20
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Kiwi made product and driver head to China
Baird only Kiwi in Asia series
As one of 23 drivers and teams entered to the 2010 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, New Zealand’s Craig Baird and the VnC Cocktail brand head to China for this weekend’s opening round 17-18 April.
Contested over six events, starting with this weekend’s Formula One race in China, 39-year-old Queensland based Kiwi Baird says it’s a statement about how capable New Zealanders are on the world stage.
“We’ve got a New Zealand crew, we’re all on New Zealand passports, and we’re backed by New Zealand’s VnC Cocktails – a New Zealand made product. In China we’re going to be looked after by representatives from New Zealand Trade & Enterprise – who are helping with the VnC Cocktails brand there.”
Fastest during pre-season testing in Malaysia, Baird will drive the brand new 2010 edition of Porsche’s 911 GT3 Cup car type 997. However, Baird notes the mixture of professional teams and drivers from Europe and Asia won’t make it easy racing.
“Biggest challenge will be making sure we go up the right path with setup and make the right calls. My toughest opposition, defending champion Christian Menzel (Germany), has knowledge of all the test driving performed with the new car and should know its characteristics. Rodolfo Avila (Macau) is a bit of an unknown, having won races up there before.”
Plus, a late entry by former champion Darryl O’Young (Hong Kong), adds to the international depth Baird has to outclass.
“It’s easier to race two than one. When you add a third element one has to defend, one has to pass, so it opens up the racing to be more enjoyable.”
Running the car for Team Porsche Club Singapore (Team PCS), two mechanics from Triple X Motorsport have the advantage of having worked with Baird over the summer season to secure another successive Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge title. Already en-route to China, they will be joined later in the week by Baird MNZM, who has just completed his investiture ceremony at Government House having been named in the 2010 New Year honours list.
Shanghai International Circuit, at 5.451 kilometres, will be Baird’s first Porsche race around the Formula One venue. Rewarded with 20 championship points and US$2500 for a race win, teams’ contest two races during the weekend – each recorded as a separate championship round.
As one of 23 drivers and teams entered to the 2010 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, New Zealand’s Craig Baird and the VnC Cocktail brand head to China for this weekend’s opening round 17-18 April.
Contested over six events, starting with this weekend’s Formula One race in China, 39-year-old Queensland based Kiwi Baird says it’s a statement about how capable New Zealanders are on the world stage.
“We’ve got a New Zealand crew, we’re all on New Zealand passports, and we’re backed by New Zealand’s VnC Cocktails – a New Zealand made product. In China we’re going to be looked after by representatives from New Zealand Trade & Enterprise – who are helping with the VnC Cocktails brand there.”
Fastest during pre-season testing in Malaysia, Baird will drive the brand new 2010 edition of Porsche’s 911 GT3 Cup car type 997. However, Baird notes the mixture of professional teams and drivers from Europe and Asia won’t make it easy racing.
“Biggest challenge will be making sure we go up the right path with setup and make the right calls. My toughest opposition, defending champion Christian Menzel (Germany), has knowledge of all the test driving performed with the new car and should know its characteristics. Rodolfo Avila (Macau) is a bit of an unknown, having won races up there before.”
Plus, a late entry by former champion Darryl O’Young (Hong Kong), adds to the international depth Baird has to outclass.
“It’s easier to race two than one. When you add a third element one has to defend, one has to pass, so it opens up the racing to be more enjoyable.”
Running the car for Team Porsche Club Singapore (Team PCS), two mechanics from Triple X Motorsport have the advantage of having worked with Baird over the summer season to secure another successive Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge title. Already en-route to China, they will be joined later in the week by Baird MNZM, who has just completed his investiture ceremony at Government House having been named in the 2010 New Year honours list.
Shanghai International Circuit, at 5.451 kilometres, will be Baird’s first Porsche race around the Formula One venue. Rewarded with 20 championship points and US$2500 for a race win, teams’ contest two races during the weekend – each recorded as a separate championship round.
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