Jack Perkins to make NASCAR debut with Toyota powerhouse

Third-generation racer and Supercars race winner Jack Perkins will make a surprise NASCAR Xfinity Series debut with powerhouse team Joe Gibbs Racing.

Perkins, son of six-time Bathurst winner Larry, will steer the #19 Shaw and Partners Financial Services Toyota Supra at Portland International Raceway in August.

Shaw and Partners Financial Services previously backed Perkins' successful cameos in the Dunlop Super2 Series last year, as the veteran prepared for the Supercars enduros.

Southern Cross Truck Rentals, TLC Auto Centre, ARB Penrith, and Muscle Car Warehouse will also support Perkins' US foray.

Perkins' path to NASCAR kicked off after an appearance in the Stock Cars Australia field at The Bend Motorsport Park earlier this month. Perkins raced an Xfinity Series-specification Ford Mustang owned, and usually raced, by Scott Nind.

The 38-year-old arrived in the United States earlier this week, visiting JGR’s headquarters in Huntersville, North Carolina.

There, Perkins met with the team, underwent a seat fitting, and spent time in the Toyota Racing Development simulator. He will remain with JGR this weekend as the team contests the NASCAR Xfinity Series and Cup Series races at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Perkins was recommended to JGR by friend James Small, a Bathurst-winning engineer with Ford Performance Racing in 2013, and current JGR crew chief for Cup race winner Chase Briscoe.

“This is a long-held dream come true for me, and I am so excited about driving in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series for the legendary Joe Gibbs,” Perkins said.

“I started thinking about competing in NASCAR when I first visited the U.S. in 2008 to watch Marcos Ambrose at Sonoma, and be a spotter for Paul Morris, who was contesting an ARCA West race the same weekend.

“It’s been a long journey to get here. I’ve come close a few times, but we couldn’t quite get all the ducks lined up. To do it now with Coach Gibbs and JGR proves you should never give up.”

On Small, Perkins said: “James and I grew up together, running round Australia’s race paddocks as kids while our dads were busy doing their things, and we’ve remained close mates.

“James will be at Darlington with the Cup Series the weekend we’re racing in Portland, but he’s doing everything he can to help me prepare and ensure JGR and I have a successful experience. Without James, the whole deal just wouldn’t be happening.”

Perkins, the 2015 Gold Coast 600 winner and 2019 Bathurst podium-finisher, has also been linked to a co-driving return with Blanchard Racing Team and James Courtney later this year. It would be Perkins' 20th consecutive Bathurst start.

“Jack has a distinguished career in the Australian Supercars series and came highly recommend by James Small, our crew chief on the No. 19 team in the Cup Series,” said Steve DeSouza, Executive Vice President Xfinity Series and Development.

“We’re excited to have him make his Xfinity Series debut with us on the road course in Portland.”

Shaw and Partners CEO Earl Evans added: “Shaw and Partners Financial Services has supported Jack for over five years now, and our partnership is robust.

“Jack’s fun to be around, and his passion for racing is infectious. On track, he is a solid performer and a complete professional, so when this opportunity with Joe Gibbs Racing came along, we did not hesitate to support Jack in what will be a lifetime experience for us all.”

Perkins will return home to Australia to continue as a co-host and expert commentator for the Seven Network’s Supercars coverage in Darwin and Townsville, before jetting off to the US for his debut.