Dad struggling after son's death

Dave Richards says his family is humbled at the outpouring of support since the death of his beloved son Jason, but it will take time to heal the void he feels in his absence.

Jason, who was only 35, died on December 15 last year after a 14-month battle with adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

He left behind wife Charlotte and their two young daughters, Sienna and Olivia, as well his close-knit family including parents, Dave and Pauline, who live in Richmond.

Jason grew up in Fox Hill and Richmond, attending Waimea College, before leaving to pursue a successful career as a motor racing driver in both New Zealand and Australia.

As well as his exploits on the track, which included three second placings at the Bathurst 1000, he is remembered just as fondly for his positive demeanor, constant smile and enthusiasm for everything he did.

Dave Richards said he was still struggling with the loss of his son, who he considered his best mate, despite knowing what was going to happen.

"When he died, it's just been a nightmare for us.

"It's the void he's left.

"Jason and I were obviously father and son, but he was also my best mate as well." The pair shared a bond over motorsport, with Dave an official member of his race crew who attended every race and worked on the car's tyre pressure.

He hoped at some stage he would be able to grieve, rather than hurt, which was what he was still feeling at the moment.

"So is the rest of the family, my wife Pauline, and Charlotte.

"The kids aren't so bad because Jason spent a lot of time preparing the kids for his death ...

"We're all struggling with it, Jason was our baby, he was only 35 and he's the youngest of our three kids.

"It's just not getting any easier."

When Jason was first diagnosed he was given three months to live, but battled long past the doctor's expectations.

While he had to scale back his commitment in the Australian V8 series, he still took part in a number of races, and his team, Brad Jones Racing, kept his seat open in case he was able to return.

As well as his family, he put his efforts into playing golf, despite the pain he was in, and managed a full 18 holes the day before he died.

"Although he didn't have the strength and power to drive long drives down the fairway, he'd take a couple of shots extra to get down there, once he got into his short game, he was away."

The family had been touched at the support shown to the family.

"We've got cards and thing sent from all over the world.

"We've had Formula 1 drivers acknowledge the fact, we just didn't realise the support we had, it's just been absolutely huge."

A private funeral was held for Jason in Melbourne, followed by a memorial service at Sandown Raceway in the new year.

His New Zealand friends, family and fans will have the chance to further remember him with a service in Auckland early next month.

Around 10 of his friends and on-track rivals will speak at the service at Giltrap Audi, to be held on Waitangi Day.

The memorial for Jason Richards will be held at the Giltrap Audi building in Grey Lynn, Auckland, on February 6 (Waitangi Day), at 1pm.

- © Fairfax NZ News