Jamie Whincup admits that he was brought to tears by the reaction of colleagues and the sport's legends to his sixth V8 Supercars Championship title.
In an extensive note posted on his personal website, Whincup has reflected on the Sydney NRMA 500 and the emotional aftermath to being crowned the category's first six-time champion.
As expected, the 31-year-old was the subject of extensive admiration both on and off the stage at Monday night's annual V8 Supercars Gala Awards ceremony.
“For those of you that weren't at the gala awards Monday night, I had the most humbling night of my life,” wrote Whincup.
“I was hoping no one realised that I broke the championship record but instead I was absolutely floored and I hate to admit it but I was brought to tears by extremely kind words from close friends in Will Davison, Mark Dutton and the boss Roland Dane, along with highly respected members of the sport including Mark Skaife, Dick Johnson and James Warburton.
“I actually had a speech written for the first time in a long time but due to the moment I decided to leave it in my pocket and talk from the heart.”
Whincup paid tribute to his team, family, friends and V8 Supercars management during an on-stage chat with host Greg Rust at the gala, as well as in the online note.
He gave special mention to his father David, who died in February of 2012, as his ongoing inspiration.
“It's moments like the weekend that it hurts not having dad around, he would've been absolutely loving it,” wrote the six-time champion.
“But, as he would say, lets get on with it and keep living every day like it's your last.”
Whincup also made reference to his position among the public, acknowledging his detractors, as well as his fans.
“It is widely publicised that I have a few hundred haters out there that don't like the way I live my life but there is no chance I am changing that,” he wrote.
“To the thousands of fans that have come out to the track in rain, hail or shine, sent me very kind messages of support or even just liked my posts, I really appreciate your support and it's all not worth it without you.
“For the ones that have been there right from the start, I hope you are feeling the joy of #6 as much as I am.”
Whincup has flown to Barbados ahead of this weekend's Race of Champions, where he'll take on a selection of the world's best in the unique stadium event.
CLICK HERE to read Jamie Whincup's full message on his website.