Jack Perkins has secured a coveted Joe Gibbs Racing NASCAR Xfinity Series opportunity, fulfilling a lifelong ambition with a race set at Portland’s renowned road course. The Australian driver, supported by his long-term partners, is preparing for an important weekend that combines experience, passion, and the guidance of figures who have shaped his path.
Preparations Underway in North Carolina
Currently, Perkins is in the United States, visiting Joe Gibbs Racing’s base in Huntersville, North Carolina. He is meeting with the team, undergoing a seat fitting, and spending valuable time in the Toyota Racing Development simulator in preparation for his upcoming race. This weekend, he is the guest of both JGR and Toyota at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where key Xfinity and Cup Series events take place, integrating him into the heart of American stock car racing culture.
Race at Portland and Previous Road Course Triumphs
Portland’s 3-kilometer circuit will host an independent Xfinity Series weekend. Last year, Shane van Gisbergen impressed fans with a spectacular win at this venue, adding to the track’s reputation for delivering dramatic racing moments. Perkins, already a Supercars co-driver, brings relevant experience, having recently competed in a Ford Mustang within the Stock Cars Australia series at The Bend, further fueling speculation of greater Australian participation in NASCAR after his strong showing.
Perkins Reflects on His Journey to NASCAR
Perkins shared openly how long he has aspired to race in America’s stock car ranks. Visiting the United States in 2008 to witness Marcos Ambrose at Sonoma and serve as a spotter for Paul Morris during an ARCA West event first ignited his interest in NASCAR competition. Perkins expressed his excitement:
“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,”
said Perkins.
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.
Hints had already emerged that Perkins was part of an Australian group eyeing future NASCAR involvement, and his versatile experience on both sides of the Pacific has only heightened expectations about his performance with Joe Gibbs Racing.
Support from Key Friends and Backers
Broc Feeney, another Australian, is negotiating with Kaulig Racing for a potential Xfinity start at Portland, while Will Brown is scheduled for a Cup Series appearance with Kaulig in Chicago this July. Perkins emphasized the ongoing friendship and close bond with James, tracing their connection back to their fathers’ racing careers during their childhood. Perkins explained that James will be at Darlington for Cup Series action the same weekend the Portland race unfolds, but remains actively assisting Perkins with his preparations and overall success at JGR. He reflected,
Without James, the whole deal just wouldn’t be happening.
Another pivotal supporter is Earl Evans, co-owner of Triple Eight and a partner at Shaw and Partners, who has offered substantial backing throughout Perkins’ career. Evans said of their longstanding working relationship,
“Shaw and Partners Financial Services has supported Jack for over five years now, and our partnership is robust,”
said Evans.
“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.
Broader Support and Anticipation for the Race
Alongsite Shaw and Partners, additional backing for Perkins’ Portland effort is coming from companies such as Southern Cross Truck Rentals, TLC Auto Centre, ARB Penrith, and Muscle Car Warehouse. The network of sponsors and friends highlights the collaborative spirit supporting Perkins on his path to a significant moment in American racing.
As the NASCAR community looks ahead to the standalone Xfinity Series event at Portland, Perkins’ journey from Australia to the highly competitive American stock car scene is set to inspire, drawing attention to the possibilities for more international drivers to emerge on the series circuit in the years to come.
