Perkins makes Ford enduro switch

Jack Perkins will be aboard a Ford for the 2020 PIRTEK Enduro Cup, partnering Will Davison at 23Red Racing.

The 33-year-old Perkins moves to the Tickford Racing-run entry following a five-year stint at Walkinshaw alongside James Courtney.

That partnership netted Perkins a maiden race win, at the Gold Coast 600 in 2015, and a Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 podium last year.

Perkins replaces Will’s older brother Alex in the 23Red squad; a pairing that had been in place for the team’s first two years in the championship.

The son of six-time Bathurst winner and Holden legend Larry, Jack has made just two of his previous 14 Great Race starts in Fords.

They came as a co-driver at Stone Brothers Racing in 2010 and during a full-time ’14 season in the then Tickford-run Team 18 entry.

“I can’t thank Phil Munday enough for the opportunity to drive the Milwaukee Racing Mustang,” said Perkins.

“Will is one of the most credentialed drivers in Supercars and I’m really looking forward to playing my role during the endurance races later this year.

“I can’t wait to have a steer of the Milwaukee Racing Mustang at The Bend during the preseason test day.”

Added Davison: “Certainly I loved driving with my brother Alex the last couple years, and he did a good job for us, but I’m definitely looking forward to working with Jack.

“He’s been a really strong co-driver over the years, and it was great to see him stand on the podium last year at Bathurst.

“For us at Milwaukee Racing, 2019 was a pretty solid year, and we’re looking for an even stronger 2020.”

Davison and car owner Munday both stressed a desire to build on last season, where the Milwaukee entry scored two podiums en route to eighth in the standings.

“We want to take another step forward in 2020, and Jack will be a key part of that when we get to the enduros,” said Munday.

“Jack’s a very handy steerer, he’s been around a while and just continues to put in great, consistent drives, which is what you need.

“We were in the mix in most of the endurance races last year, and bringing Jack in gives us a real chance to fight closer to the front in 2020.”  

Perkins, who recently confirmed a full-season Dunlop Super2 campaign with Eggleston Motorsport, is the first Tickford co-driver confirmed for 2020.

Michael Caruso and James Moffat are both set to continue, while reigning Bathurst winner Alex Premat has been strongly linked to the squad after being let go by DJR Team Penske.