Death of V8 racer Jason Richards

[pissfat]

V8 Supercar racer Jason Richards has lost his battle with cancer.

Just over a year after being diagnosed with a particularly aggressive form of the disease, he died in Melbourne at approximately 8pm last night.

Richards fought as hard as he could and refused to give up on his racing career until he was too weak to drive, even managing an amazing third-fastest practice time in his final V8 Supercar drive at Darwin this year.

The transplanted New Zealander moved to Australia to advance his career and quickly established himself as one of the fastest men on the track, advancing through four teams and twice finishing runner-up in the Bathurst 1000.

"He was an amazing guy and he will be sorely missed. There is no way I could describe him in just a few words," his team boss, Brad Jones, said.

Jason Richards' family confirmed the V8 star's death in a short statement today.

Family Statement on Jason Richards:

"Champion V8 Supercar driver Jason Richards passed away peacefully at home with his wife, Charlotte by his side at 8.00pm last night (Thursday, 15 December 2011).

"He was just 35 years old.
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"Jason’s family is appreciative of the many thousands of people who have offered their love and support during his battle with illness over the past 14 months.

"A memorial service to honour Jason and his career will be held at Sandown in the coming weeks.

[smell my finger]

Jack the dancer doesn't play favourites, decent people (and Jason seemed to be one) are just as likely to be stricken as complete pricks.

A real shame and a loss to an increasingly homogenous sport.

[FraserKing]

Shame to hear - at least he got in one final run before he passed.