Jim Richards will pilot an upgraded version of his title winning Ford Falcon Sprint in the Touring Car Masters at the Coates Hire Ipswich Super Sprint next weekend.

The four-time Australian touring car champion has brought the Falcon out of retirement while his AMC Javelin is undergoing repairs and maintenance.

The Falcon Sprint that guided Richards to two Touring Car Masters crowns in 2010 and 2013 has now been fitted with a 302-cubic inch Ford V8 engine alongside other developmental components.

Richards is set to campaign the Falcon for the remainder of the Touring Car Masters campaign.

“It is very popular and every round I have people coming up to me and asking ‘when is the Sprint coming back,” said Richards.

“We’ve gone up to a 302 from the 289 and the car has had a complete rebuild – the gearbox, diff and we’ve been through basically every nut and bolt. It’s good to go.

“We could have raced the Javelin, but the Sprint was good to go so we’ll run that and the intention is to run it for the rest of the year.”

Following a raft of upgrades, Richards is confident the Falcon will be competitive at Queensland Raceway.

“It will be quicker but it will still be a big ask to go against the Torana’s,” Richards added.

“As well as the engine, I’ve been allowed to add a front spoiler and a small rear wing which should make a difference – and the car actually looks really nice.

“I’m not worried about winning – as long as the car is competitive I’ll be happy.”

Richards will be part of a strong 26-car grid contesting the Rare Spares Ipswich Tourist Trophy round next weekend.

John Bowe (Holden Torana) leads the series standings with a nine point lead over Steven Johnson (Ford Falcon XY GTHO).

Touring Car Masters Entry List Queensland Raceway