Jack Perkins (racing driver)

Jack 'Perko' Perkins (b. 1986) is an Australian V8 Supercar driver for Jack Daniel's Racing. He is the son of Australian Touring Car Championship legend Larry Perkins. He drove the #11 Holden VE Commodore in the 2007 V8 Supercar Championship Series. This was a touch of nostalgic history, as Jack's father Larry used to famously raced under the number.

An important event in Perkins' career was in the SuperCheap Auto 1000 in 2006. Race favourite Mark Skaife suffered a slipping clutch off the start line, causing them to fall behind on the first lap. Perkins, who was sharing the car with Shane Price, was unsighted by cars in front and made severe contact with the rear of the HRT Commodore, sending both cars out of the race.

Perkins had a mixed season in 2007 V8 Supercar season with some outstanding results such as qualifying in the top 10 at Winton, coupled with many disappointing race exits whilst running in strong positions. Although he was keeping pace with his highly rated team mate Shane Price, also in his rookie season, Perkins' performances behind the wheel where suffering towards the end of long stints behind the wheel for mysterious reasons. It was later found that Perkins was suffering from Type One Diabetes.

Medical ailment

When diagnosed with Type One diabetes, Perkins immediately stood aside for the remainder of the 2007 season allowing former Champ Car driver Marcus Marshall to assume driving duties of the number 11 Jack Daniel's Racing VE Commodore for the remainder of the season. Todd Kelly has permanently replaced Perkins for the 2008 season and beyond.

In 2008, after convincing the sports governing body in Australia, CAMS, that he was fit to regain his racing licence despite his medical condition, Perkins will return to the V8 Supercar Development series in a Perkins Motorsport VZ Commodore prepared by experienced team owner Marty Brant with backing from Mack Trucks Australia. Perkins is confident of resurrecting his V8 career and will be aiming for nothing less then outright championship glory, which would be the first national championship win of his career. He started the season strongly with a second place showing at the opening round of the championship at the Clipsal 500 support race. [http://www.v8supercar.com.au/news/latestnews/newsdisplay.asp?Ind=&author=&gid=32676026]

Career results