Perkins Joins Nitro Motorsports for US Trans Am Debut at Portland
By Andrew Clarke
Date posted: 25 July 2025
Jack Perkins has quietly returned to the United States to make his Trans Am debut this weekend at Portland International Raceway, linking with American outfit Nitro Motorsports for the Western Championship round.
Perkins will drive the #19 Shaw and Partners Financial Services-backed Toyota Camry, with the drive initially planned as a lead-in to his upcoming NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at the same circuit with Joe Gibbs Racing.
The opportunity came through connections at JGR following Perkins’ impressive showing in his first Xfinity start in Chicago, and sees him line up with one of the most successful outfits in American Trans Am competition.
Jack Perkins and the Nitro Motorsports Toyota Camry Trans Am he will race at Portland international raceway
“Trans Am racing is something I’ve watched from afar for years, and it’s great to get a chance to compete in this series finally,” Perkins said after arriving in the US and meeting his new team at PIR.
“Portland looks like a fantastic track with plenty of opportunities for challenging racing. Nitro Motorsports has been very welcoming, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. They’ve had success across multiple categories this year — if I can catch on quickly, I hope to contribute to that.”
Nitro team boss Nick Tucker welcomed the Australian’s arrival.
“Jack’s experience at the top levels of racing, including Supercars in Australia, will bring valuable insights and raise the bar for our entire team,” Tucker said.
“We’re looking forward to working with him and seeing what he can do at Portland, and from there, we’ll see what the future holds.”
Perkins’ Portland drive is supported by a familiar group of backers including Shaw and Partners, Southern Cross Truck Rentals, Castrol, TLC Auto Centre, Xpress Fleet, ACL, ARB Penrith and Pfitzner Performance Gearboxes.
The event wasn’t formally announced ahead of time, but it had long been earmarked as a warm-up for his Xfinity debut at Portland in late August — a program delayed but not derailed after his heavy contact early in the Chicago race.
Nitro Motorsports continues its expansive 2025 campaign this weekend, fielding cars across multiple categories while expanding its roster of international talent.
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