Aussie BMW 635CSi Group C racer to compete in UK

AUSTRALIANS all let us rejoice, because we are about to send a championship winning car, and gun Kiwi driver to spank the Brits.

The web-footed Jim Richards will be heading to the Queen’s Country in the striking BMW 635CSi racecar he piloted in the ‘80s.

The Group C racer, powered by a 3.5-litre, twin-cam, 24-valve, naturally aspirated inline-six, is being shipped to the UK for the Silverstone Classic in late July.

Richards, who originally piloted the car in both Group C and Group A guises, will be joining the black beast on its trip, and doing his best to show the British what for.

Aside from its status as a bona-fide Australian Touring Car Championship winner, the 635CSi is also one of the best looking race cars around.

Wrapped in iconic John Player Special black and gold livery, and in fat Group C specification, it cuts a menacing figure on track.

The car’s trophy cabinet is chockers with silverware to match, with victories in both Group A and C, and titles in the Australian Endurance Car Championship, and AMSCAR. Trust us, it is quick!

If we were the plucky Poms preparing to face-off against this German/Kiwi/Aussie ensemble, I’d start worrying, as Richards has a resume that makes the car’s look like a part-time player.

Despite being 69 years young, Richards still races frequently, most recently winning the Touring Car Masters title in 2013.

Add to that another 14 Australian titles in a variety of series, four New Zealand titles, seven Bathurst 1000 victories, and eight Targa Tasmania wins – impressive stuff.

One tip before you go Jimmy, if they start getting agitated about being beaten, don’t go calling them arseholes this time. Okay?