Fans pay their last respects by signing a Brad Jones Racing hood for Richards’ family.
By Jarrod Potter
CLOUDY skies seemingly parted on the demand of friends, family and fans who came to Sandown Raceway to celebrate the life of V8 Supercars driver Jason Richards.
Richards, 35, passed away on 15 December after a battle with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) cancer.
He was honoured in a 90-minute memorial service at the racetrack where he gained his first podium placing in 2005 racing for Tasman Motorsports.
Richards’ father David and family friend and fellow Supercars driver Cameron McConville spoke on behalf of Jason’s family – his wife Charlotte and daughters Sienna and Olivia, who were in attendance.
“He was a huge part of our lives and I will miss him,” Richards’ father David said. “He made us so proud as parents.
“We’ll always remember the time and memories he has left behind.
“For me Jason was more than just my son, he was also my best mate.”
McConville thanked all of Richards’ fans for attending, the support of the Brad Jones Racing team and the staff at The Alfred hospital for helping Richards through his battle.
The event was led by V8 Supercars reporter Mark Beretta and included tributes from V8 Supercars chairman Tony Cochrane, chaplain Garry Coleman and racing team-mates Jason Bright, Andrew Jones and Paul Dumbrell.
“He made everyone feel important,” long time team-mate Bright said.
“He would always shake hands afterwards (after a race or crash) and laugh,” Paul Dumbrell said.
A racing hood from a Brad Jones Racing V8 supercar was signed by members the large crowd to be given to Richards’ family. Richards was a three-time runner-up in the Bathurst 1000, in 2005, 2008 and 2009, and a race winner of the Winton Motor Raceway event in 2006.
V8 Supercars said there were plans for a lasting tribute to Richards, to be announced later this year.
