Shane van Gisbergen praises Jack Perkins NASCAR debut as both Supercars veterans look ahead to Perkins’ first appearance in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for Joe Gibbs Racing this August at Portland. The motorsports community is anticipating Perkins’ entry into American stock car racing, especially with van Gisbergen backing Perkins to make an impact on the road course.
Jack Perkins Sets Sights on Portland as He Joins Joe Gibbs Racing
Australian driver Jack Perkins will take on his debut NASCAR race in the Pacific Office Automation 147 at Portland International Raceway on August 30, 2025. Perkins, aged 38, is set to pilot the No. 19 Shaw and Partners Toyota Supra under the Joe Gibbs Racing banner. As preparations ramp up, Shane van Gisbergen, now campaigning full-time in the Cup Series for Trackhouse Racing, offered enthusiastic support for his longtime contemporary.
“We started in Supercars around the same time. 2007 or (200)8. He’s (Jack Perkins) a great driver. He hasn’t done too much lately. But obviously he’ll be in a good car, Gibbs car, Portland. Won’t be too many Cup guys there. I think he’ll surprise a few people. On a road course he’ll be pretty good,” said van Gisbergen via NASCAR insider Peter Stratta (00:11 onwards)
Perkins carries a wealth of experience from over 150 Supercars contests and has deep motorsports roots as the son of Bathurst 1000 legend Larry Perkins. His chance in America was facilitated by JGR’s Australian crew chief James Small, who played a vital role in bringing Perkins on board. Currently, Perkins is adjusting to the unique NASCAR environment through simulator sessions and car fittings in North Carolina and will observe the JGR team in action at Charlotte for additional insight.
Van Gisbergen Navigates His Own NASCAR Transition
Shane van Gisbergen, affectionately known as SVG, transitioned into a full-time Cup Series seat with Trackhouse Racing in 2025 after earning acclaim for his NASCAR debut win the previous season. While the New Zealander has delivered solid results on road courses, highlighted by a sixth-place finish at Circuit of the Americas, consistency has been difficult to find on ovals, with only three of his twelve races ending inside the top 20.
The challenges faced by van Gisbergen mirror the steep learning curve confronting any international motorsports veteran entering NASCAR’s ranks, no matter their resume. Despite these hurdles, his faith in fellow Antipodean talent like Jack Perkins remains unwavering, shining a light on the collaborative spirit among Australian and New Zealand racers trying their hand stateside.
SVG Faces Charlotte Trials Ahead of Coca-Cola 600
This weekend, van Gisbergen will take part in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, a marquee NASCAR event requiring stamina, focus, and adaptive skill. The race, known for its demanding four-stage structure, marks one of the sport’s most challenging occasions—particularly for recent arrivals to the Cup Series.
Van Gisbergen’s Charlotte campaign began on a tough note, qualifying 30th after a 30.161-second lap, underscoring his ongoing learning process on oval tracks. Reflecting on the circuit’s complexity, SVG shared candidly what lies ahead:
“Another new track, new place. Never been there. Tried some sim(ulation) lately and it’s pretty cool. Challenging little track. Big track. Lots of technical sections. It’s going to be very difficult. Turn one is going to be carnage I think with how NASCAR restarts are… It’s going to be nuts.” (0:31 onwards)
Although results have yet to consistently match the attention he commands, van Gisbergen’s adventurous approach, combined with his clear-eyed perspective on NASCAR’s demands, captures the imagination of racing fans. His support of Perkins brings even more anticipation to the upcoming Portland event and adds another chapter to the unfolding story of international drivers excelling in America.
Impact of International Talent and Looking Ahead
Jack Perkins’ upcoming debut at Portland—and the presence of fellow competitors like Will Brown, Cam Waters, and Shane van Gisbergen—signals NASCAR’s expanding embrace of drivers from Australia and New Zealand. Perkins’ move, made possible by the initiative of James Small and supported by Joe Gibbs Racing’s infrastructure, exemplifies how strong trans-Pacific motorsports relationships are fueling new opportunities.
As the Cup Series prepares for the Coca-Cola 600 under the Charlotte lights on May 25, with Chase Briscoe starting from pole, the drama among established and emerging talent will be center stage. Perkins’ preparations, which span simulator work and hands-on immersion within his future team, reflect the growing professionalism and crossover appeal of global racers entering NASCAR. With Shane van Gisbergen praising Jack Perkins NASCAR debut and eagerly awaiting the results, the 2025 Portland event is shaping up as a pivotal moment for international involvement in American stock car racing.
