I know that this is a Formula 1 blog but I think it is right to note the passing of V8 Supercar driver Jason Richards, who has died after a 14-month battle with cancer. He was 35. A New Zealander, he cut his teeth in the sport in karting, where he enjoyed much success and then switched to Minis, before trying his hand at Formula Ford, initially at home and then briefly in England. He then returned home and joined BMW Motorsport NZ as a junior driver, winning the his class for two years in the local touring car championship. He then moved up to the main title and won it three times before moving to Australia in 2001 to take part in the V8 Supercar series. He went on to win the Sandown 500 and was runner-up at Bathurst on three occasions.
“In the competitive world of V8 Supercars Jason was a rare breed – a driver that could tread the fine line between rivalry and friendship,” said Brad Jones, his most recent team boss. “He was never secretive, selfish or bad-tempered and had endless enthusiasm and energy for his job and team. The history books will not do him justice. Given the right equipment JR was easily a front-runner but chose team loyalty over personal gain, determined to work with his crew to reach the front of the grid together. Through the highs and lows of racing, JR’s uplifting presence and casual, self-effacing wit were unwavering and his effect he had on team morale is irreplaceable. He will forever be a member of the Jones family and this is a tragic day in the team’s history.”
Richards is survived by his wife Charlotte and two daughters.
It’s so sad when good people don’t get the chance to live a full life.
These are always sad stories.
When I’m in Oz I always try to get to a V8 race and the thing that always strikes me apart from the extreme enthusiasm of the supporters is the family oriented atmosphere at these events – even among and between the teams.
The series is a credit to Australasia.
I’m sure Jason’s loss will be felt all the more greatly because of this unique environment.
Commiserations to his family, but I’ll always remember him ‘in the thick of it’, cramming more into the time he had than most people will only ever be able to imagine.
Very sad circumstances, but a life to be celebrated rather than mourned.
RIP Jason, thoughts go out to is young family
Absolutely tragic news. He seemed like such a nice guy. When I’d see him on TV I always thought he’d beat cancer, he had such a positive attitude and seemed so strong. So so sad.
35 is no age, sad to see yet another motorsports figure pass away in 2011, RIP
Joe: I watched on Orbit Sports Jason being interviewed recently at a V8 Supercar race from the garage and, despite all that he was going through, made everyone smile and laugh with his spirit and good humour. God bless him and his family.
F*cking cancer.
Sounds like a life lived well.
Age 35,a husband and a young father…….bloody tragic in anyone’s words. JR will be missed but he will be remembered as a driver you always gave his best and was exciting to watch.Thanks Joe for the respectful post.
That is a lovely testimonial he received. You don’t read stuff like that too often about sports people. A true team player.
Thanks Joe,
Very sad news. He came across as a good guy.
RIP Jason R
Julian
Thank you Joe,
Jason was indeed an unusually special bloke and an unusually great driver.
warmest,
I think it’s good to here about the wider motorsport world Joe. Sad news though.
hear even!
Rest in peace now Jason. Such a tragedy. So much talent and a great guy. Terrific character and personality. I’m 35 years old myself and can’t imagine what it would be like to die at this age. A lot of living left to do. Hope his wife and family are ok.
R.I.P.
My thoughts and condolonces go out to his friends & family.
Such a tragedy, which is made even worse at this time of year, even harder for a young family.
RIP Jase
One more thing about Jason. He was on TV several times at V8 Supercar races this season. He would always be asked about his condition and the treatment he was undergoing, much of the treatment experimental, yet he always managed to maintain his happy demeanour and a ready smile that totally belied the pain and indignity of his situation. He really was an incredible guy. Few people could go through what he has and put such a brave face on it in front of cameras and microphones.
Sad news. The last time he raced was a one-off to support the F1 at Melbourne in 2011. He nearly won!
Well done Joe. Though I come from “foreign shores” and have not been in Australia that long, Jason Richards always impressed me with his admirable character and ever present smile – right up to the end. A great wheel man, and a great gentleman, sadly lost very young.
Thanks for posting this Joe. I live in Melbourne and was saddened to hear the news on local radio today. It was only a few weeks ago that he was at the Sandown round of the V8 series when he announced on TV that his latest results were “bad news”, all said with his signature beaming smile.
A true gentleman of the sport who will be greatly missed. RIP Jase.
Thanks Joe, due respect to a lovely bloke. Deepest sympathy to Jason’s family & all his motor racing colleagues, BJR most prominently.
the life is so strange!
Thanks Joe for acknowledging a great athlete. Jason was an inspiration to all in the way he conducted himself in the face of what must have been an incredibly challenging illness to fight.
Such a sad loss to motor sport.
RIP Jase!
Tragic news. Thoughts are with his family.
He was amazingly brave in a recent interview. To young to go.
Thank you Joe. I “grew up” with the V8s when my dad took me to see them when I was a kid in Australia and it formed my passion for motorsport. I moved to America 11 years ago now but even with my limited following Jason’s name had come forward and it’s a real loss. I’m sure his positive influence will be missed.
A similar mood to the day Peter Brock died.
Jase was a mate. He will be missed terribly. Lots of love for his family
Hi Joe ,
I was at the Australian F1GP this year which was fantastically supported by those awesome sounding Aussie V8s .
I am guessing that Jason is the guy who bravely put his car on the podium for one of the races .
I saw him interviewed on the motorsport tv show over there on the Monday after the race .
Brave guy . Sad loss
RIP
Jason was absolutely one of the truly good guys, a gentleman to the core, and an amazing talent.
I’m deeply saddened to hear this news. My heart felt condolences go out to Jason’s family.
RIP Jas, you will be severely missed.
R.I.P. Jason. I know that the following gets said a lot when someone leaves our world, but you will genuinely not meet a nicer person. I will never forget being at Albert park on the Saturday this year watching him drive the race of his life in the v8s to finish 2nd in near darkness, despite clearly being very ill. He got a standing ovation and gave everyone who witnessed it goosebumps. It was almost as if he was the only person in the race as the crowd willed him on in unison.
Very sad news, he was always very friendly and approachable in the V8 paddock.
His fighting spirit through his health battle was truly inspirational.
Thnaks Joe
I am reminded of the words of another New Zealander, the great Bruce McLaren ” It would be a waste of life to do nothing with one’s ability, for I feel that life is measured in achievement, not in years alone”.
I feel so upset. I followed the V8′s since I was a small child. It is the worlds loss and my thoughts go out to his family and close friends and all of his fans as well. Thank you for informing me and for the very respectful blog.
I worked this year, as in previous years, as a track medic at the Albert Park F1 event. 3 of us had a station set up next to the Brad Jones racing pit. We saw a little of the pit activity and knew the wider story of Jason Bargwana offering his event drive to Jason Richards for the event. It was a pleasure to cheer on JR to his 2nd place on the Saturday race and to applaud him as he set out on the Sunday drivers parade.
RIP Jase. You will be remembered.