Jason Richards back at the wheel for Melbourne

Jason Richards will return to the V8 Supercars Championship this weekend following a triumphant run in the second tier Futitsu series at Adelaide last week, whilst he continues to undergo cancer treatment.

The 34-year-old New Zealander was diagnosed with cancer last November and has since stepped down from driving duties at Brad Jones Racing, with Andrew Jones substituting at the 2010 season finale at Homebush and Jason Bargwanna competing in the No.14 Holden Commodore this season whilst Jason recovers from chemotherapy.

Richards took an opportunity in a break in his treatment to compete at the opening round of the V8 Supercars Development Series last weekend for compatriot Greg Murphy’s team, with which he took victory in the second race.

“Team BOC’s cars have been doing extremely well recently so it’s hard to sit on the couch and watch,” said Richards.

“I can’t wait to get back racing with my team, who have been so supportive through everything, and having the test run in a Fujitsu V8 Supercar last week was a good indication that I am physically able to do it.”

“Having said that, this is definitely not my comeback; it was a last minute deal. It’s the thing I’ve been working up towards though and this break in my treatment has given me the opportunity to do it.”

“I’ve got a lot more work to do before I come back full time but this was just a great opportunity to get back in the car at a time that would have a low impact on the team in terms of the championship but a high impact for me.”

Jason Bargwanna has volunteered to step aside for this weekend’s non-championship event, before Richards undergoes further chemotherapy later in the year.

All messages of support for Jason can be left on his Facebook page here