Gentlemen Jim named in FTR endurance squad
4/4/2001 22:09 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) -
Gentlemen Jim Richards has been named in the Ford-Tickford Racing endurance squad, reuniting with son Steven.
The 53-year-old veteran will join Steven and Glenn Seton for the Queensland 500 and Bathurst 1000 later in the year. A fourth squad member and driver pairings are yet to be announced.
The six-time Bathurst champion brings a wealth of experience to the FTR ranks.
"Jim is one of the most sort-after drivers for Bathurst each year, so to get him on-board early is a great bonus as our preparations for these two key events continues to move ahead,” Team Principal Glenn Seton said.
"Winning Bathurst is something I’m yet to experience, but with two proven winners already in our team, it’s a great position to be in going to Mount Panorama,” he said.
In an indication of the importance of endurance race ‘subs’ and the rush to secure drivers so early in the season, Richards spent time with the Ford-Tickford operation through the pre-season testing the team’s Falcons.
"It was great to have that opportunity to test the car first before being asked to join the team," Richards said.
"I have driven for a number of teams and FTR is a very professional operation and one that is determined to win its first Bathurst,” he said.
The Queensland 500 will mark a racing reunion with Ford-Tickford’s new gun, son Steven. The father/son combination last drove together back in 1997 for Garry Rogers.
"I go to Bathurst to win, if I can do that with my son that will be very special. However, if it’s better for the team that I run with Seton – I would be just as delighted to be part of Glenn’s first victory and my seventh,” Richards said.
Steven, a twice winner on Mt. Panorama himself, was equally enthusiastic: “It’s great to have dad in the team, not just because he’s my father, rather the great wealth of experience he brings to FTR.”
Richards Snr. partnered John Bowe in the endurance events the past two years, leaving the CAT Racing team in the lurch come August.
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