Jim Richards Award unveiled for best and fairest Supercars driver

A prestigious new award has been added to Supercars’ end of season celebrations, unveiling the inaugural Jim Richards Award, which will be presented following next weekend’s 2024 season finale at the VAILO Adelaide 500.

The Jim Richards Award is named in honour of seven-time Bathurst 1000 winner 'Gentleman Jim' Richards, one of the most successful drivers on-track in the sport’s history, as well as one of its most respected off it.

The award will be presented to the 'best and fairest' driver across the 2024 Supercars season at the Supercars Gala on Monday, November 18, the day after the chequered flag falls on the 2024 Repco Supercars Championship season.

The winner of the Jim Richards Award will be determined in a similar format to the AFL’s Brownlow Medal, with votes being cast by select members of Supercars and Motorsport Australia competition personnel on a race-by-race basis.

Voters have allocated three, two, and one points to drivers following each race during the 2024 season, with votes tallied at season’s end to determine the winner of the 'Gentleman Jim' Award.

Drivers are awarded votes for their on-track performance, professionalism, and respectability in the field of play.

Supercars General Manager of Motorsport Tim Edwards highlighted the significance of the award as a celebration of a driver’s ability and behaviour behind the wheel.

“The Jim Richards Award honours a driver who embody the similar skills, racecraft, and adeptness that Jim Richards is well revered for,” Edwards said.

“It’s important for us to recognise not only our drivers’ abilities but the spirit in which they compete. The ‘best and fairest’ approach celebrates the drivers who perform at the highest level, both in terms of outright performance and sportsmanship, qualities that Jim has always been known for.”

Richards, whose illustrious career has left an indelible mark on Australian motorsport, expressed his pride and gratitude for the award named in his honour.

“It’s an incredible honour to have my name associated with what is a very special award in the world of Supercars,” the great Richards said.

“I’m genuinely touched, and knowing the quality of drivers that compete in Supercars, the winner and future winners of the Jim Richards Award will be truly deserving of it. I am sure I will feel fortunate to be associated with them!

“Motorsport has been my life, and to see this award recognise drivers who show the same dedication to it is truly special.”

The introduction of the Jim Richards Award marks a complementary addition to the highly regarded Barry Sheene Medal, which has been awarded since 2003.

While the Jim Richards Award will recognise drivers’ on-track performances, the Barry Sheene Medal, named for the beloved motorcycling world champion and television presenter, distinctively focuses on drivers’ character and off-track contributions to the sport, as voted on by Supercars accredited media personnel.

The Jim Richards Award and Barry Sheene Medal will form two of the most prestigious accolades awarded at the Supercars Gala awards night on Monday, November 18 in Adelaide.

The 2024 Repco Supercars Championship season holds its season finale event next weekend on the streets of Adelaide at the VAILO Adelaide 500, November 14-17.

Triple Eight Race Engineering’s Will Brown heads into the event looking to seal his first Supercars title, leading teammate Broc Feeney by 180 points ahead of the season finale.