St Madoes racer Alastair Baptie crowned Scottish Classic Sports and Saloon Championship winner

St Madoes speedster Alastair Baptie has been crowned Scottish Classic Sports and Saloon Championship winner for 2023.

The 53-year-old motorsport talent rounded off his title-winning season at a damp Knockhill on Sunday.

Baptie, racing his trusted 1979 Fiat X-1/9, also achieved a new first by going unbeaten in Class A throughout the campaign.

“It is the third championship we have won outright,” Alastair told the Perthshire Advertiser this week.

“We did all of the Scottish rounds, winning every race we competed in.”

And he joked: “I’ve never had 100 per cent for anything in my life!”

Alastair made sure to thank Mike Stewart and Graham Simpson for keeping the car in tip-top condition for race days.

“We’re used to the car now, we know it quite well and it is good in all weathers,” Alastair continued.

“Mike and Graham, both in the Perth motor trade, look after the car and keep it right. If it wasn’t for those two, I wouldn’t have any of the luck I’ve had.

“We’ll be going up a class for next year and the plan is to race down south a bit more.”

The car held up nicely in tricky weekend conditions at Knockhill and Alastair said: “It was really slippy but the same for everyone.

“It was a case of being cautious, not too flamboyant and making sure we didn’t throw it away at the last hurdle.

“The majority of us are 40 or older and we’re having a bit of fun. Everyone does take it seriously though.”

The news of Alastair’s latest season of success has already been spreading through the county.

“There are a lot of folk who come up to watch,” he said.

“And sometimes it does surprise me how many people pay attention and are aware of the racing.”