The Brownlow Medal is the Australian Football League’s highest honour and Supercars is set to introduce a similar ‘best and fairest’ award named after racing legend Jim Richards.
The Jim Richards Award will be introduced at this year’s Supercars Gala Awards held on the Monday following the VAILO Adelaide 500.
Votes to decide the award will be cast by selected members of Supercars and Motorsport Australia competition personnel throughout the season using the Brownlow’s 3-2-1 system.
Criteria for votes being awarded to drivers is for on-track performance, professionalism, and respectability in the field of play.
A count will be held during the Gala Awards via periodic updates throughout the night.
The Barry Sheene Award will remain unchanged as voted by the media members, which ficuses on drivers’ character and off-track contributions to the sport.
“The Jim Richards Award honours a driver who embodies the similar skills, racecraft, and adeptness that Jim Richards is well revered for,” said Supercars’ motorsport manager Tim Edwards.
“It’s important for us to recognise not only our drivers’ abilities but the spirit in which they compete.
“The ‘best and fairest’ approach celebrates the drivers who perform at the highest level, both in terms of outright performance and sportsmanship, qualities that Jim has always been known for.”
‘Gentleman’ Jim Richards is a four-time Australian Touring Car Champion and seven Bathurst 1000s during illustrious career.
“I’m genuinely touched, and knowing the quality of drivers that compete in Supercars, the winner and future winners of the Jim Richards Award will be truly deserving of it.
“I am sure I will feel fortunate to be associated with them!
“Motorsport has been my life, and to see this award recognise drivers who show the same dedication to it is truly special.”
The inaugural Jim Richards Award will be presented at the Supercars Gala on November 18.