Just two weeks after taking home the Castrol Victorian Official of the Year, Phillip Craig has once again found himself in the spotlight with yet another accolade.

It’s been a whirlwind period for the humble 66-year-old, who was last night named the Gray-Nicolls Sports Victorian Community Official of the Year at the prestigious Vicsport Awards. 

Craig was one of four nominated finalists for the award after contributing to motor sport for more than 20 years, which included acting as a Deputy Chief Fire Marshal for the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix and the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship.

Despite having a remarkable history in the sport, Craig was surprised to take home the award and was thrilled to be even considered.  

“It’s unbelievable really, I was just overwhelmed and It was an awesome feeling.,” Craig explained.

“When my name got called out, I was in shock, I was reasonably comfortable up until then but then it was just an amazing feeling to be announced as the winner.

“I didn’t know what to say because it was a real surprise when I got called out. It was really humbling.”

With Craig now the recipient of two of the most prestigious awards for officials in his home state of Victoria, he would be forgiven for getting caught up with all the hype that comes with being a multiple award winner. 

However Craig is confident his attitude towards his role in the sport will not change because to him, motor sport is more than just winning silverware.

“You don’t volunteer or officiate for the rewards and recognition, you do it for a lot of reasons but winning awards is the furthest thing on my mind,” Craig explained.

“I am an official because I enjoy the sport as a fan, I enjoy the sport as an official and because I want to make it safer for everybody, particularly competitors and my fellow officials. 

“With that said, both awards mean the same to me and are just as special as the other.

“I feel quite humble winning the CAMS state award but the Vicsport one is more than motor sport. It’s everyone in sport, so I feel I am kind of representing our sport in a sense.”

While Craig is a deserving winner of both awards after all these years of helping people, those close to the CFA Officer know how much he appreciates all those around him.

And Craig was quick to heap praise on his peers within the sport, honouring all the officials he has worked with in the past as the reason he has now been acknowledged.

“I would like to dedicate this award to all the people around me. It couldn’t not happen without the support of other officials at these events,” Craig added.

“I view the award as not just for me but for all the people that are members of the VFRS, Team Medical and the VFT, as well as the people at the tracks, the promoters, the competitors- this award is about motor sport and for all those who dedicate their heart and soul to it. 

“All of that stuff, it all leads to the one place which is this award and in this case, it was me who was the fortunate one to be recognised.  

“There are plenty of people out there who be worthy of not just the Vicsport one but the CAMS one as well. But I see it as recognition of officiating at motor sport.”