Supercars' Perkins set for Xfinity debut with JGR

Jack Perkins is set to become the latest driver from Australia's Supercars series to try his hand at NASCAR with a ride at Joe Gibbs Racing in August's Xfinity Series race at Portland International Raceway.

Perkins will drive the No. 19 Shaw and Partners Financial Services Toyota Supra at the Portland road course. The Aug. 30 event will be his NASCAR debut.

“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.”

Ambrose, a former Supercars champion, ran full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2007 and 2008 and then full-time in the Cup Series from 2009 through 2014.

Shane van Gisbergen moved to NASCAR after winning in his 2003 debut in Chicago. Others who have made starts in recent years also include Cam Brown (Trucks and Cup), Will Brown (Cup), and Brodie Kostecki (Cup).

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In preparation for his debut, Perkins has already been to the Joe Gibbs Racing shop to do a seat fitting and run in the simulator. Perkins will be at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend as the team’s guest.

“Jack has a distinguished career in the Australian Supercars series and came highly recommended 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.”

Perkins is the son of six-time Bathurst 1000 winner and former Formula 1 driver Larry Perkins. He has three Repco Supercars Championship podium finishes, nine victories, and 35 podiums in the Dunlop Super2 Series.

“James [Small] and I grew up together, running around Australia’s race paddocks as kids while our dad were busy doing their things, and we’ve remained close mates,” Perkins said. “James will be at Darlington with the Cup Series the weekend we’re running 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.”