Jim Richards recognised in Australia Day Honours List
Words: Autocar
Jim Richards has been recognised in this year’s Australia Day Honours List, receiving an Honorary Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division for “significant service to motor sports.”
Few drivers can lay claim to a career as enduring, successful, or influential as Richards’, whose achievements span decades and eras of Australian touring car racing. Born in New Zealand and now residing in Victoria, Richards built a reputation for speed, intelligence and professionalism that made him a benchmark on both sides of the Tasman.
Richards’ name is inseparable from the Bathurst 1000, a race he won an extraordinary seven times. Among those victories was a landmark moment in 2002, when Richards made history by becoming the oldest winner of The Great Race at the age of 55, sharing the car with Mark Skaife. It was a fitting highlight in a career defined by longevity at the highest level.
Beyond Mount Panorama, Richards was also a four-time Australian Touring Car Championship (ATCC) winner, claiming titles with BMW in 1985 and 1987, before adding further championships with Nissan in 1990 and 1991. His adaptability across manufacturers and regulations underlined both his technical understanding and competitive edge.
Motorsport Australia President Andrew Fraser acknowledged Richards’ impact on the sport, describing him as one of the greatest drivers to compete in Australia.
“Jim’s achievements speak for themselves, but it was his longevity, professionalism and sportsmanship that truly set him apart,” Fraser said.
“His impact on Australian motorsport spans generations and it has created a long list of memories that fans of the sport will hold on to for the rest of their lives.
“Jim’s commitment to excellence helped shape the standards we see in the sport today and this recognition is richly deserved for one of the greatest drivers to compete in this country.”
From dominant touring car campaigns to unforgettable Bathurst triumphs, Jim Richards’ influence on Australian motorsport remains profound, and this honour serves as a timely acknowledgement of a truly remarkable career.
