31-1-90 MOTOR RACING 'pc7 Ruapuna results from Sunday:- Peter Jackson Formula •Pacific race I (25 laps): C. Baird (Hamilton, Swift DB4), I; K. Smith (Auckland, Swift DB4), 2; Groff (U.S.A., Swift DB4), 3; P. Radisich (Auckland, Reynard), 4; 8. Thomlinson (Auckland, Rait RT4), 5; I. MacDonald (Ralt RT4), 6. Race time: 16:36.22. Fastest lap: Radisich, 38.93. Race (50 laps, Lady Wigram Trophy race); Baird I; Smith, 2; Grofi, 3; Mac- Donald, 4; D. Cockerton (Auckland, Ralt RT4), 5; R Lester • (Palmerston North Ralt RT4), 6. Race time: 33:27.36. Fastest lap: Smith 39.35. Group N saloons.- Race 1: D. Slater (Ford Laser turbo). L. Vandermeer (Ford Laser turbo), 2; S. Gardiner (Ford Laser turbo) 3. Race time, 10 laps 8.34. Race 2: Slater, 1; Vandermeer, 2: R Wilson (Ford Laser turbo). 3. Race time, 10 laps, 8:42.73. Mini 75.- Race 1: A. Fogg, 1; A. Hyde, 2; P. Black, 3. Race tinge, laps, 7:08.02 Race 2: Black, 1; Hyde, 2; Fogg. 3. Race time, 8 laps, 7:10.25. Formula Ford.- Race 1: P. Larsen (Swift), I; M. Pedersen (Van Diemen). Carpenter (Australia, Swift), 3. Race time, 20 laps, 15:08.05. Race 2: Larsen, I; Pedersen, 2; G. Campbel! (Swift), 3. Race time, 20 laps, 15:12.14. Sun Valley Thunder Saloons.— Race I: K. Wills (Mazda Chev), I; B. Willis (Mazda MX6 Chev), 2; W. Huxford (Capri Chev), 3. Race time, 7:08.84. Race 2: Wils, K. Scott (Nissan turbo), 2; R. Freeth (Starlet V8), 3. Race time, 10 laps, 7:05.20. Pre-1965.- Race 1: J. Little (Valiant), I; P. Roffey (Chevroiet), 2; C. Blackwood (Faicon), 3. Race time, 8 laps, 6:57.71. Race 2: Little, Roffey, 2; Blackwood, 3. Race time, 8 laps, 7:03.10. Bair Craig Baird surprised many at Ruapuna last week-end by keeping a cool head under pressure from two vastly more experienced opponents. But the confident Hamiltonian never faltered and can now stand alongside Ken Smith and Paul Radisich as one of the country's top three racing drivers. Although Baird, aged 19, never lacked faith in his ability to win, he exuded relief after his win in the first of two Peter Jackson heats at Ruapuna and there was a sense that with the pres sure lifted the victory would be the first of many. Baird is by no means a d boosts racing rating By JOHN HAWKINS newcomer to the sport. father, Stan, whom Craig describes as the biggest influence in his motorsport career, was a competitor in the old Shellsport series. By the age lour Craig was behind the wheel of a kart and by the time he moved to Formula Ford he already had seven national karting titles to his credit. Formula Ford was just another step in the overall plan and after just twe and a half years in the class he became the youngest driver to win the Motorcraft national championship. In spite of his youth, the move to Formula Pacific New Zealand's premier class, was logical and with financial sup port from • his father and Calter the way was paved drive iD last season's Peter Jackson series. During the series he vied with Smith, whom he rates as New Zealand's top driver, for the honour of being the fastest Ralt driver in the field. In the past New Zealand winter, a test drive was arranged for Baird with Dick Bennett's Formula 3 team in England. Baird's handling of the car was impressive enough for him to receive offers of drives in Formula 3, Super Vee and Atlantic, but the multithousand dollar budget he would be required bring with him has so far proven elusive. With age his side Baird remains New Zealand's brightest hope for break into the international scene. His future though depends on whether those that support him can exhibit the entrepreneurial skills to CRAIG BAIRD match the driving skills that their young charge displays so well on the circuit. PETER JACKSON International Series Nº 140 RUAPUNA OFFICIAL ADMIT ONE TICKET MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES