New Zealand has an amazing record of producing great racing drivers on the international stage. There's Bruce McLaren, founder of the McLaren F1 team and sportscar marque. McLaren's team-mate during the Big Block Chev V8-powered McLaren Can-Am era was also a Kiwi - 1967 World F1 champ, Denny Hulme. Then there's Scott Dixon, one of Indycar racing's all-time greats.

And when it comes to ace touring car racers in this part of the world, the Shaky Isles is unsurpassed. Reigning Australian Supercars champ Shane van Gisbergen is, of course, a proud Kiwi, but so also is the man he deposed, Scott McLaughlin (now an Indycar star).

Before McLaughlin there was four-time Bathurst winner Greg Murphy and also five-times winner Steven Richards. And then there is Richards Snr: ‘Gentleman’ Jim Richards, whose racing record over four decades not only towers above all other Trans-Tasman Kiwi racers, but also all Australian touring car drivers with the possible exception of Peter Brock.

Jim Richards in his famous Sidchrome Mustang

Now, finally, there is a biography that tells the story of the remarkable career of Jim Richards.

Produced with the full support and involvement of Jim and his family, Gentleman Jim: The Official Racing History of Jim Richards’ is the story of Richards’ amazing career, beginning in his native New Zealand and following his racing journey that took him to Australia in the mid-1970s and onto a career the likes of which have not been seen before or since.

Written by Will Dale and Aaron Noonan, the 400-page book covers all facets of Richards’ career, from his early days in New Zealand to his famous Sidchrome Mustang, his amazing JPS BMW era and long-time association and success racing Porsches.

His Bathurst wins with Peter Brock, Mark Skaife and Rickard Rydell feature prominently, as do all eras and disciplines of his racing career. Reflection pieces from a range of his friends, family and racing contemporaries are also included.

Richards’ racing resume is incomparable. It includes seven Bathurst 1000 wins, four Australian Touring Car Championships, eight Targa Tasmania wins, three Nations Cup championships, two Touring Car Masters championships and title victories in categories including Australian NASCAR, GT-Production and Carrera Cup.

To order your copy visit https://superstore.v8sleuth.com.au/

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