Mega-fan shares special gift for Whincup
Jamie Whincup mega-fan Lauren Miller has shared a special gift in honour of the retiring seven-time champion.
Attending the Beaurepaires Sydney SuperNight on Saturday, Miller presented Whincup with a personalised trophy.
The custom-made accolade features Red Bull Ampol Racing colours, with an engraved plaque that reads: “Farewell to the greatest Supercars driver ever”.
Miller, who ordered the trophy when Whincup initially announced his retirement, shared the 124-winner's reaction to receiving the gift.
“He was so over the moon, he was so happy,” Miller told Supercars.com.
“We want Jamie to know that we respect him and will always support him.”
Western Sydney-based Miller and her mum Marlene have followed Whincup for over 15 years, also meeting Craig Lowndes and Team Manager Mark Dutton multiple times.
The 26-year-old credits Whincup as her inspiration to get her driver’s license.
“Lauren has high functioning Autism and the Red Bull team have been amazing with her, especially Jamie, Craig and Dutto,” Marlene explained.
“Jamie was the reason why Lauren got her driver's license after her teacher said she wouldn’t be able to get it.
“She got it on the first go and the first person she told was Dutto.
“Lauren said she wanted to prove everyone wrong as Jamie told her she could do it.”
Upon receiving Miller's gift, the four-time Bathurst 1000 winner gave her a signed copy of his yet to be released autobiography, Jamie Whincup, Drive of a Lifetime.
With the 2021 season Whincup's last as a full-time driver, both mum and daughter admit they have mixed feelings over his impending retirement.
“We are going to miss Jamie; we will still follow Red Bull though,” Marlene continued.
“The team has done a lot for us; Mark Dutton has been Lauren’s mentor since she was young and has helped her through tough times.
“He has sent her messages and helped her with her self-esteem.”
Whincup is now preparing for the Repco Bathurst 1000, which will be his final race as a full-time driver.
He will be replaced in 2022 by teenager and Dunlop Series points leader Broc Feeney.
The 2021 Repco Supercars Championship and Dunlop Series seasons will conclude at the Repco Bathurst 1000.
Foxtel’s coverage will start on Wednesday 1st December at 8:25 am AEDT on channel 503 and Kayo.
The Seven Network will provide live free to air coverage of the event. Tickets for the event are on sale now.
