When Shane van Gisbergen joined Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91 program, little did he know he was about to create history. Sure, he’d made his NASCAR debut, but he didn’t have any expectations going in, and boy, did he impress. A race that was dramatically reduced to 75 laps, pit stops, and then an overtake on Justin Haley with 4 laps to go, van Gisbergen didn’t just win with 1.259 second gap, but he beat Johnny Rutherford’s 60 year record of winning on Cup debut. 2 years on from his debut, there’s another driver who’s looking to follow SVG

Let’s be honest. Van Gisbergen’s Chicago triumph not only marked a personal milestone but also signaled a new era of international talent making waves in American stock car racing. Van Gisbergen’s success story has since inspired a new wave of Supercars drivers to explore opportunities across the Pacific.

This time, it will be Jack Perkins entering Xfinity. He will be bringing his own flair and experience to the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Fans on both continents are eagerly anticipating how this latest crossover will unfold, adding another exciting chapter to the evolving narrative of international motorsport integration.

Perkins, son of Australian racing legend Larry Perkins, will drive the No. 19 Toyota GR Supra at the Pacific Office Automation 147 on August 30th, 2025, in Portland. Similar to SVG’s debut, it will be on a road course where he can fully use the wealth of experience from Supercars, where he’s competed in over 200 races. He’s known for his technical feedback and racecraft, having scored podiums and endurance wins, including at Bathurst. Perkins has also raced in GT and prototype cars, giving him a diverse skill set for NASCAR’s unique challenges.

Joe Gibbs Racing is one of the most successful teams in NASCAR history. The No. 19 Xfinity car has seen multiple winners and is always a threat for victory. Perkins will have top-level equipment and support, giving him a real chance to impress in his debut. Perkins is eager for the challenge, stating, “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.” And for Perkins, it wasn’t just a dream to race for the team, but work with the legendary team owner. “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.” 

Jack Perkins’ leap into the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Joe Gibbs Racing didn’t happen by chance. The Australian Supercars veteran was highly recommended by James Small, crew chief for the No. 19 team in the NASCAR Cup Series. Small and Perkins share a long history together. They have grown up in Australian racing paddocks while their fathers were busy with their own motorsport careers. Their friendship and mutual respect have lasted decades, and Small’s endorsement carried significant weight with JGR management.

“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 revealed.

Steve DeSouza, Executive Vice President of Xfinity Series and Development at JGR, emphasized this connection: “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. We’re excited to have him make his Xfinity Series debut with us on the road course in Portland.”

This personal connection and professional trust helped open the door for Perkins at one of NASCAR’s most respected organizations. With Small’s support and JGR’s resources, Perkins is set for a strong debut, further strengthening the Supercars-NASCAR pipeline.

Jack Perkins got racing in his blood

Jack Perkins’ NASCAR journey is built on a foundation of deep racing heritage. He is the son of Larry Perkins, a six-time Bathurst 1000 winner and one of Australia’s most respected motorsport figures. Larry’s career spanned Formula One and decades of success in Australian touring cars, establishing the Perkins name as a symbol of engineering excellence and determination.

Jack is a third-generation racer. His grandfather, Eddie Perkins, was also a successful rally driver, making motorsport a true family tradition. Growing up, Jack was immersed in racing culture, spending his formative years in pit lanes and garages while learning from his father’s hands-on approach to team management and car development.

Once, Jack even paid tribute to his father, wearing his green and gold colors Larry wore at the 2003 Bathurst 1000. “I’ve painted my helmet for the enduros this season in Dad’s well-known green and gold colours. It has always been an idea of mine to follow Dad’s design at some stage, but for a little while there I wanted to do my own thing, however green and yellow/gold has always been on my helmets. Dad’s helmet never really changed from right back in his European days through to 2003 when he hung up the boots. But I chose to do it for this year in particular because it has been 15 years since both he and Russell Ingall won the Bathurst 1000 in 1995,” he said at the time.

With three generations of racing expertise behind him, Jack Perkins now aims to make his mark in America. Will his family’s legacy continue to grow on NASCAR’s stage? All eyes will be on Portland this August.