Supercars star Broc Feeney has secured one of the championship’s most coveted awards, claiming the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy following the ITM Christchurch Super 440. Feeney accumulated the most points across the Taupō and Christchurch events to win the honour.
The trophy, named after the late Kiwi driver Jason Richards who passed away from cancer in 2011, holds deep significance across the paddock. Feeney highlighted the emotional weight of the victory, noting its special meaning for his Kiwi race engineer, Martin Short, and teammate Will Brown’s engineer, Andrew Edwards, who worked closely with Richards at Brad Jones Racing.
“I’d say the JR Trophy’s, you know, right up there with the best in our sport,” Feeney said. He added that “to have our hands on the JR Memorial Trophy is huge not only for myself but the team”.
The event marked the first Supercars race in the South Island, drawing a massive crowd of 65,806 fans and achieving sellout status on both Saturday and Sunday. Feeney praised the reception, noting the packed town upon arrival and the incredible atmosphere in the filled grandstands.
Drivers faced a unique challenge at the tight and twisty Ruapuna circuit. Feeney described the layout as an old school track that is highly technical and punishing, providing real consequences for mistakes compared to modern circuits with wide concrete run-offs.
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger, who competed in the Historic Touring Cars support races, praised the event’s success. Mauger confirmed infrastructure improvements are in motion, with building consents for permanent pit garages expected soon. Supercars has also committed to racing at the venue for at least three years.
Drivers now have a five-week break before the championship resumes at the Tyrepower Tasmania Super 440, taking place May 22 to 24 at Symmons Plains Raceway.
