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Gentleman Jim Celebrates the Old & the New

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Published on 18 September 2012

 

Shannons very own ambassador and motor racing legend Jim Richards took time out from his own preparations for this year’s Bathurst trip to give a little insight into what it takes to race the mountain and to win Shannons Supercar Showdown.  
 
Jim Richards:
 
What’s your view of the Shannon’s Supercar Showdown?
 
“I think it is a fantastic idea to give these guys and girls the chance to fulfil their dreams and drive at Bathurst.”
 
What would be your tip for our winner at Bathurst?
 
“Even though some of them have driving experience it’s a very hard track. I’s say - Just get to the mountain, follow as best you can, don’t get in any battles and finish”
 
Did you drive that way the first time you came to Bathurst in 1974?
 
“(laughs) No, I’d been driving for eight or nine years in NZ, so we went as fast as we could go to finish the race. We managed to come third.”
 
What makes Bathurst so special? 
 
“It’s Bathurst’s 50th year this year and I haven’t missed racing there since my first year in 1974. It’s an iconic motor racing circuit. There’s nothing like it.”
 
You’ve won the great race 7 times, what were you greatest wins?
 
“The three in a row with Peter Brock were pretty special and the last one in 2002 with Mark Skaife. That was a full ten years after we last won together in 1992. I also loved the times I got to race with my son Steve”
 
What’s the major difference between driving now and when you started?
 
“Modern drivers need to learn how to take on and process all the technical data they are handed, and then apply it to how they are driving. There’s a lot more to it these days than just being able to drive around the track”
 
It’s down to the Final 2 for the Shannon’s Supercar Showdown:  Jesse, Glen and Andre, how do you see them?
 
“Jesse has driven Utes, which is a good class but not quite as technical as V8s. Andre has driven V8s, so I think he goes into the final as the front runner. Glen has some pedigree in the sport and talks the talk.  But all are good young guys, so whoever gets there will do a good job.”