Portland will be a significant milestone for Perkins as he prepares for just his second start in the stock car series, following a challenging debut in Chicago where he faced an early exit.
Overview of the Race and Team
[IMAGE0CONTEXT:bmwunknown] The #19 Joe Gibbs Racing car will again feature Shaw and Partners as the primary sponsor. This Toyota is adorned with various Australian brands, including Southern Cross Truck Rentals, XF Fleet, ACL Bearing Company, TLC Auto Centre, and ARB Penrith. The striking livery has been designed by former Holden designer Peter Hughes, who made his debut in NASCAR design earlier this year. “The #19 Shaw and Partners Financial Services Toyota GR Supra looks ace,” Perkins expressed. “Shaw and Partners CEO Earl Evans and I decided that we should give the car a fresh look for our second NASCAR Xfinity Series at Portland. It looks the part. Hughesy has done it yet again.”
Support and Expectations
[IMAGE1CONTEXT:bmwunknown] Perkins will be surrounded by a strong support group, including his Blanchard Racing Team co-driver and 2010 Supercars champion James Courtney. His father, Larry Perkins, will also be present, along with six-time World Ironman champion Shannon Eckstein and Australian Olympian Jimmy Walker. Other notable attendees include Triple Eight Race Engineering co-owners Earl Evans (Shaw and Partners) and Steve Blackmore (SCTR), along with Jason Buchan (TLC Auto Centre) and Tim Blanchard, co-owner of the Blanchard Racing Team. Additionally, Benny Small, brother of Joe Gibbs Racing crew chief James Small, will be part of Perkins’ entourage. “It’s going to be special having so many of my sponsors and friends here,” Perkins stated. “I can’t thank them enough for making the long journey for the race.”
Race Format and Strategy
Sunday’s race will be unique as it will not feature live pit stops, heightening the importance of qualifying well, given the limited opportunities for strategic maneuvers. “Initially, Portland was our only race over here this year, so it’s cool that we now have experience with the Toyota GR Supra, working with my crew chief Seth Chavka and the JGR team, and racing on the Portland circuit, so my hopes are high,” Perkins remarked. “Qualifying fifth in Chicago has raised my expectations to be in the front two rows this weekend. Without the usual competition pit stops (replaced by 3-minute timed stops at the stage breaks), qualifying is even more critical. With less pit strategy to play out, my hope is we are not only competitive, but we have a clean run and try to be up at the pointy end of the field at the finish.”
Race Weekend Schedule
The race weekend kicks off on Sunday at 5 AM AEST with practice, followed by qualifying at 6 AM AEST. The 75-lap race is set to begin at 9:30 AM AEST. Fans can catch the NASCAR Xfinity Series coverage live on Fox Sports and Kayo Sports. A total of 37 drivers will compete, with notable entries including Supercars champion Will Brown, Alex Labbe, Garrett Smithley, Alon Day, Joey Hand, Austin Green, Vicente Salas, Thomas Annunziata, and Josh Williams. NASCAR experts have expressed doubts about the Playoffs for SVG.
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