The story of Steven Richards' career in Supercars is a fascinating one, filled with iconic teams, thrilling victories, and unexpected twists. Richards, a five-time Bathurst 1000 winner, had a chance to add another chapter to his illustrious history in 2021, but it didn't quite unfold as planned. In this article, I'll delve into the details of his potential wildcard deal with Walkinshaw Andretti United (WAU) and the factors that influenced his decision to step away from full-time racing.
Richards' journey began with Gibson Motorsport in 1995, where he achieved a remarkable fourth-place finish alongside Anders Olofsson. This marked the start of a long and successful partnership with various teams, including Garry Rogers Motorsport, Stone Brothers Racing, Perkins Engineering, Ford Performance Racing, and Triple Eight. His ability to adapt and excel with different teams was a testament to his skill and versatility.
The highlight of Richards' career came in 2018 when he won the Bathurst 1000 with Craig Lowndes. However, this triumph was followed by a challenging period. As Triple Eight downscaled from three cars to two, Richards found himself shuffled out of the team. He then signed with Team 18, reuniting with Mark Winterbottom, but his racing career took a different turn. Richards decided to hang up his helmet after the 2019 season to take on a full-time role as the squad's relationships manager, a decision influenced by the strain of the COVID-19 pandemic on racing budgets.
The pandemic had a significant impact on Richards' plans, leading to job losses and budget cuts. He had sacrificed a two-year deal to help Charlie Schwerkolt manage his sponsorship program, and this commitment, coupled with the pandemic's challenges, made him hesitant to pursue full-time driving opportunities. Richards' desire to explore new avenues within motorsport, rather than solely driving, influenced his decision to step away from the cockpit.
The wildcard deal with Walkinshaw Andretti United, which never materialized, was a pivotal moment. Richards had put his name forward for the 2021 season, but the opportunity didn't come to fruition. This decision, in retrospect, was influenced by his desire to avoid a poor performance due to limited driving experience. The team ultimately went with Jack Perkins and Will Brown, who later won the Bathurst 1000 with Chaz Mostert and Lee Holdsworth.
Richards' Bathurst 1000 starts tally officially ended at 27, but his legacy in the sport remains. He has made sporadic appearances in historic racing and has returned to the Supercars paddock this year, working with the Blanchard Racing Team's Aaron Cameron. His contributions to the sport, both on and off the track, are invaluable, and his story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of racing careers.
In my opinion, Richards' decision to prioritize his long-term career goals over immediate racing opportunities was a wise one. The pandemic's impact on the industry and his desire to explore new roles within motorsport were compelling factors in his choice. As an expert commentator, I find it fascinating to see how Richards' career has evolved, and I look forward to witnessing his future endeavors in the world of racing.
