Legendary driver Jim Richards, motorsport media personality and team owner Brett Murray, and highly respected motorsport figure Marg Dymond were honoured with order recognitions in this year’s Australia Day Honours List for superb contributions to the sport.

All three individuals have made invaluable contributions to motorsport in their respective fields over their lifetimes, earning them positions among the annual Australia Day Honours Roll by the Governor-General on Sunday, January 25.

Richards, born in New Zealand, won the Bathurst 1000 seven times, while also claiming four Australian Touring Car Championships (ATCC).

Richards was a massive figure of the Australian racing scene, winning Bathurst three-consecutive times with Peter Brock from 1978 to 1980, back-to-back with Mark Skaife in 1991 and 1992, and then again with Swede Rickard Rydell in the 1998 Super Touring race.

In 2002, Richards made history by winning his seventh Bathurst 1000 with Skaife at the age of 55, making him the oldest winner in the history of The Great Race.

Richards went on to win the ATCC Drivers’ Championship with BMW in 1985 and 1987, and with Nissan in 1990 and 1991.

The New Zealander, who now resides in Victoria, received his Honorary Member of the Order of Australia (AM) nod in the General Division for “significant service to motor sports.”

Motorsport Australia President Andrew Fraser acknowledged Richards as one of the greatest drivers seen on Australia’s soil.

“Jim’s achievements speak for themselves, but it was his longevity, professionalism and sportsmanship that truly set him apart,” Fraser said.

“His impact on Australian motorsport spans generations and it has created a long list of memories that fans of the sport will hold on to for the rest of their lives.

“Jim’s commitment to excellence helped shape the standards we see in the sport today and this recognition is richly deserved for one of the greatest drivers to compete in this country.”

Brett Murray, fondly known as “Crusher”, has played a pivotal role in the growth and development of the country’s motorsport media landscape.

With early editorial steps taken as a regional journalist in the New South Wales town of Wagga Wagga, Murray’s career led him to founding media company BAM Media Group in 1991 and motorsport news outlet Speedcafe in 2009, extensively covering local and international motorsport.

Murray’s biggest milestone away from the news cycle came at the 100th running of the Indy 500, where his team, driven in-part by Matthew Brabham, took part in the iconic race.

He has since played a pivotal role on the Pirtek Legends Night, an event filled with memories, insights, and friendship honouring past, present and upcoming members of the motorsport community. The event has also raised more than half a million dollars since its inception for Motorsport Ministries.

Murray has also assisted in the establishment of the Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame and helped run the Ultimate Motorsport Prize Raffles raising more than $250,000 for the Peter Duncan Neurosciences Unit at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney.

Murray was awarded a Lifetime Media Service Award from Motorsport Australia at the National Awards Gala Night for 2018, leading to this year’s Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) acknowledgement.

Fraser stated Murray has provided crucial assistance to various initiatives over the years, greatly benefitting the wider motorsport industry and community.

“To have met Crusher is to have met a force of nature, his drive is as strong as his love for our sport and this award recognises his contribution and his passion,” Fraser said.

“Brett has consistently used his platform to give back, connect people and preserve the sport’s history. His OAM is a fitting acknowledgement of decades of service and dedication.”

Margaret Dymond, a member of the well-known Dymond Family and Board Member of Penrite Oil, joined Murray in receiving an OAM.

The wife of the late John ‘JD’ Dymond, Margaret moved from England to Australia in the late 1950s to support her husband’s work commitments with BP and Lubrizol, before the couple purchased the Penrite Oil Company from its original Founder, Les Mecoles, in 1979.

“Marg” has been the cornerstone of Penrite for the past 45 years, providing the strong family bond that has kept the company united.

Margaret maintains a hands-on role with the Board and the direction of the company, while supporting Penrite’s sponsorships of grassroots events and charitable causes.

Margaret has championed youth involvement in automotive trades and motorsport activities away from the public eye, gracefully giving back to the industry she has helped form.

The Company is now led by son, Toby, as the CEO, with other Dymond Family members Nigel, Fleur and Jon serving significant roles within the business.

Fraser finalised by describing Dymond as a key supporter of motorsport through her efforts within the Penrite Oil Company.

“Margaret’s leadership and commitment through her and her family’s work at Penrite Oil has helped sustain grassroots racing and community programs across the country,” Fraser said.

“Marg’s advocacy for youth involvement and industry development has also made a lasting difference behind the scenes.

“The motorsport industry is better off for Margaret’s contributions and it’s well-deserved she is recognised in the Australia Day Honour Roll.”

All three’s inclusion in this year’s Australia Day Honours List underpins the vital role motorsport plays in Australia’s sporting and community landscape.