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December 8, 2022 | General

Racing legend, TCM champion Jim Richards featured in new book

THE 400-page hardcover book celebrating the career of one of Australasia’s greatest racing drivers, Jim Richards, is now available to buy.

Published by V8 Sleuth parent company AN1 Media and written by Will Dale and Aaron Noonan, the eagerly awaited publication is the result of months of work and collaboration with the seven-time Bathurst 1000 winner and his family.

The result tells the full story of Richards’ career from humble beginnings in New Zealand through to his move to Australia in the 1970s and all the racing stops along the way.

The beefy 400-page retails for just $79.95 and is available now here via the V8 Sleuth Superstore.

Gentleman Jim: The Official Racing History of Jim Richards Book

He talks in depth about his infamous 1992 Bathurst podium speech, his time racing the Sidchrome Mustang, Nissans, NASCARs, Trucks, Porsches and so much more.

His remarkable Touring Car Masters career, which included two championships and iconic cars like his Ford Falcon Sprint and AMC Javelin, is well documented in the impressive publication.

Produced with the support of Shannons and Porsche, the book also includes a range of reflection pieces from his friends, family and racing contemporaries including his son Steve Richards, Mark Skaife, Mick Webb and more.

His Targa Tasmania winning navigator Barry Oliver has written a touching foreword for the book, which also includes a range of never-before-published photographs from the Richards family archives and various unseen images from the V8 Sleuth team’s archives.

Inducted into the Supercars Hall of Fame in 2006, Richards made a record 35 starts in the Bathurst 1000 between 1974 and 2006.

“The concept of doing a book has been raised a few times over the last few years but I’ve always been reluctant to do it,” says Richards.

“But as time goes by, I think it’s nice to be able to stop and look back at all the people, stories and scenarios that unfolded that allowed me to enjoy a long career in the sport.

“My kids and grandkids have been hugely supportive of making this project happen, I’m glad they spurred me on to do it.

“I hope the motorsport fans out there enjoy the book; it’s been a great drive down memory lane putting it together.”