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Perkins scores extra NASCAR drive

Jack Perkins Chicago design

By Thomas Miles

Date posted: 27 June 2025

Jack Perkins will now enjoy not one, but two drives in the NASCAR Xfinity Series over the next two months after some high-flying negotiations.

Supercars co-driver Perkins had already signed a deal to take on the Portland event at the end of August

But fans will now get to see him racing in America as early as next weekend on the streets of Chicago.

Perkins’ NASCAR Xfinity Series debut will now take place at Chicago following a last-minute deal negotiated in the air with the mighty Joe Gibbs Racing squad.

With Shane van Gisbergen also racing for JR Motorsports, fans will get to watch two former Supercars stars battle it out in the streets on Saturday.

Reigning champion Will Brown will also be keeping a close eye on proceedings as he returns to the top-tier Cup Series in Sunday’s main event and Perkins will help the Triple Eight driver across the weekend.

Perkins was astonished to do one race, and he is now overjoyed to double his NASCAR experience after some last-minute deals in the air.

“I thought doing one NASCAR Xfinity Series race his year was unbelievable! But it’s just incredible to announce today that we are also racing at Chicago next weekend, driving #19 Shaw and Partners Toyota Supra for Joe Gibbs Racing,” Perkins said.

“On Friday as I was heading to Darwin with 7 Sport for Supercars, I got the call from JGR that they were looking for a driver for the 19 at the only street track on the NASCAR calendar. 

“At the airport I called Earl Evans from Shaw and Partners Financial Services and told him about the vacancy and to have a think about it on the flight to Darwin. 

“Earl instantly said we don’t think, we make decisions and you’ve got to do it, and stick around Sunday to cheer on and support my old team mate in Will Brown in the Cup Series.

“Thankfully I had WiFi on the plane to Darwin and was able to sort out some of the details at 36,000 feet!!!

I can’t wait to represent Shaw and Partners Financial Partners, Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota at one of the flagship NASCAR events on their schedule – the Chicago Street Race.

“It’s been a crazy week getting prepared for what will be one of the biggest weeks of my life and time in racing, and I can’t wait to get over to the USA and JGR on Monday to get stuck into it.”

The Chicago Street Race will be held a week before the Townsville 500 on July 4-6.

Image: Veracity Media

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