Like all of the Australian Motorsport world, we have been shocked and saddened at the passing of Jason Richards, after what seems such a short battle with Cancer.
Richards aged just 35 was diagnosed with Adrenocortical Carcinoma in November 2010. He has since undergone surgery, chemotherapy and several drug trials, as well as travelling to Michigan for expert advice.
Since his diagnosis a fund raising effort has been underway to assist him and his family. All money collected from recent fund-raising will now be put in a trust for Jason's two children, Sienna (4) and Olivia (1), and his wife Charlotte.
Richards ended his V8 Supercar career at TEAM BOC and Brad Jones Racing. The team released a short statement on his passing noting that in the competitive world of V8 Supercars Jason was a rare breed – a driver that could tread the fine line between rivalry and friendship. 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.
Tony Cochrane also released a brief statement stating "Jason Richards was, and will always be remembered, as a highly respected race car driver and champion on and off the race track. Jason will be remembered for his great grin and his love and loyalty to his family. Both of which made him an immensely admired figure in pit lane.
“There was not a single person in Australian sport, or indeed Australia and his native New Zealand, who did not admire his enormous courage as he battled the last 14 months and his determination to fight in every way he could.
“He will be dearly missed by all in the V8 Supercar family, but in particular, everybody associated with Brad Jones Racing.
“On behalf of the Championship, let me extend our prayers and thoughts to his wife Charlotte and his children Sienna and Olivia, and all of his family members. Our collective thoughts are with you all."
Fans can leave messages at the team website www.teamboc.com.au or at the Jason Richards Facebook page.
Richards entered V8 Supercars in 2000, taking part in some 131 events excluding 10 starts at the Australian Grand Prix non-championship event. In total he took part in 284 Championship races. He took at race win at Winton in 2006 and made the podium 6 times including the 2010 L&H 500 at Phillip Island. There was a single pole position in Darwin in 2009.
His last V8 Supercar drive came in the Fujitsu series at the Australian Grand Prix this year, where he took a second place having started 5th on the grid.
His last on track appearance was at Bathurst this year, where he raced in the Touring Car Masters taking 2nd place before the start of the Great Race.
V8 Supercars are also running a tribute page, which you can access here
 [copyright-free photo by Phil Willams - www.freewebs.comphilwillmedia]nsp_119.JPG)
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