Jason Richards Trophy: 2026 contenders, how to win, past winners

Supercars' annual trip to New Zealand takes on a new complexion in 2026, however whilst the number of races being held across the ditch might have doubled, one thing remains the same.

The hunt to win the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy.

First run in 2013 to honour the late Kiwi, who finished on the podium three times at the Bathurst 1000, the JR Trophy has become one of Supercars' most emotionally-charged prizes.

Richards might never have had front-running equipment, driving for Team Kiwi Racing, Team Dynamik, Tasman Motorsport, and Brad Jones Racing, but his raw speed was undeniable.

That talent would shine brightest on the sport's biggest stage at Bathurst, whilst his sole career race win would come at Winton in 2006.

However, it was the man outside the car who would win the most admiration, as he bravely fought with Adreno Cortical Carcinoma from late 2010.

Richards passed away on December 15, 2011, aged 35. Two years later, his legacy was immortalised when he was posthumously inducted into the Supercars Hall of Fame. He is survived by wife Charlotte, and daughters Sienna and Olivia.

Every year in New Zealand, every Supercars driver races in his honour.

How do you win the Jason Richards Trophy?

Traditionally, the driver who accumulates the most points in New Zealand is awarded the JR Trophy. Whilst that remains the same in 2026, for the first time points will be awarded over multiple events. Both the Taupō Super 440 and the inaugural Christchurch Super 440 will count towards the tally, giving drivers even more opportunities to not only gain points on their rivals, bit lose them should things go wrong. With a total of 880km of racing to be held on two tight and technical circuits, expect there to be plenty of drama along the way.

How many points are available?

Six races will be held across the two legs of the ITM New Zealand Double Header, however Cyclone Vaianu has seen a change to the number of races held at each event. Only two of three scheduled races could be held at Taupō, with 230 points up for grabs - including fastest lap bonus points. However, the third race from Taupō will now be held on Friday in Christchurch, making for the biggest haul of points available in a single weekend since the 2001 Bathurst 1000. With three 120km sprints rounded out by a 200km refuelling race, there are 400 points on offer for the weekend, 380 in race wins and an extra 20 bonus points available for fastest laps.

Who are the past winners?

The JR Trophy has been up for grabs 10 times dating back to 2013, with seven drivers claiming the prestigious silverware. Of the seven, only two are on the grid in 2026, namely Anton De Pasquale and defending winner Matt Payne. Shane van Gisbergen (2016, 2019, 2022) and Jamie Whincup (2015, and 2017) are the only drivers who have won the JR Trophy multiple times, with Jason Bright, Mark Winterbottom, and Scott McLaughlin rounding out the list of winners.

Who shape as the key contenders?

Off the back of an emotional home victory in Race 9 at Taupō, Ryan Wood enters Christchurch with a 17-point buffer in hand as he chases his first Jason Richards Memorial Trophy in his third attempt. He heads Red Bull Ampol Racing duo Broc Feeney and Will Brown, both of whom were back to top form in Taupō, whilst Brodie Kostecki sits 41 points back in fourth despite crushing the field in the opening race on the North Island. Chaz Mostert is only further five points behind Kostecki in fifth, whilst two fifth place finishes have left defending JR Trophy winner Matt Payne needing to overcome a 56 points deficit to retain his grip on the trophy. Anton De Pasquale and Jack Le Brocq are Chevrolet's best hopes in eight and ninth respectively.

2026 Jason Richards Memorial Trophy standings

Correct after Round 9, 2026 ITM Taupō Super 440