Warragul-based V8 Supercar champion Jason Bargwanna has become the 20th inductee in the Baw Baw Shire Sporting Walk of Fame.
In an Australian V8 supercar racing career spanning over 15 years, Jason has achieved 377 races, 7 wins, 23 podium finishes and 3 pole positions. Following this success, in 2011 Jason left the Australian V8 supercars and joined the New Zealand V8 Touring Car Championship, where he was equally as successful.
Jason commenced his racing career in the late 1980's with his big break in 1997 when he was selected as one of Holden's Young Lions and racing for Garry Rogers Motorsport. He made his
V8 Supercars debut at Sandown 500 that year. The following year, he along with co-driver Jim Richards, won third place at Bathurst 1000.
In 2000, again in a Garry Rogers Valvoline Cummins Holden, teamed with Garth Tander, Jason won the Bathurst 1000 race, the Holy Grail of motorsport in Australia and New Zealand. Jason stayed five years with Garry Rogers before switching to Ford in 2003 and driving for Larkham Motorsport until 2008.
In the 2011 V8 Supercars Championship, Jason drove for Brad Jones Racing, this was his last season in Australia. Following Jason's move to New Zealand V8 racing, he won championships in 2012-2013, 2014-2015 and finished second in the 2017-2018 Touring Car Class 1 season. From 2014-2016, whilst racing in New Zealand, Jason also held the position of Driving Standards Observer for the Australian Supercar Racing Championship.
The Baw Baw Shire Sporting Walk of Fame is located in Civic Park Warragul and commemorates the achievements of local athletes who have competed and succeeded at the highest levels of their chosen sport.
Jason joins other inductees including Judo champion Michael Keane, AFL greats Gary Ablett Senior, and Alan Noonan, boxing legend Lionel Rose and cycling champion Kathy Watt – amongst a host of others. To see the full list of inductees, go to Baw Baw Shire Sporting Walk of Fame.
A formal induction ceremony will be held to celebrate Jason's induction in the near future, at a time when COVID-19 restrictions allow a larger number of people to attend outdoor gatherings.
A love for racing and Warragul connection is continued today through Jason's son Ben who is competing in the Formula Ford Championship.
As noted by Mayor Cr Danny Goss
"We're thrilled to welcome another Baw Baw legend, Jason Bargwanna, into the Sporting Walk of Fame. His career achievements in V8 Supercars are to be admired and celebrated. We look forward to celebrating with Jason in person when restrictions are eased, and it is safe to do so."
Image credit: driven.co.nz
