V8 Supercar driver Jason Richards dies aged 35

New Zealand-born Richards passed away peacefully at home with his wife, Charlotte by his side at 8.00pm on Thursday, his family said in a statement.

Richards was 35. He had been diagnosed with an aggressive and rare form of cancer back in November of 2010.

A memorial service to honour him and his career will be held at Sandown in the coming weeks.

"Jason Richards was, and will always be remembered, as a highly respected race car driver and champion on and off the race track," said V8 Supercars chairman Tony Cochrane.

"Jason will be remembered for his great grin and his love and loyalty to his family. Both of which made him an immensely admired figure in pit lane.

"There was not a single person in Australian sport, or indeed Australia and his native New Zealand, who did not admire his enormous courage as he battled the last 14 months and his determination to fight in every way he could. He will be dearly missed by all in the V8 Supercar family, but in particular, everybody associated with Brad Jones Racing.

"On behalf of the Championship, let me extend our prayers and thoughts to his wife Charlotte and his children Sienna and Olivia, and all of his family members. Our collective thoughts are with you all."

Richards had been racing in the V8 Supercars championship since 2002, taking part in 287 races. He had scored one win and two pole positions.