Jack Perkins has officially joined the Triple Eight squad as their first endurance co-driver, marking a new chapter in the team’s collaboration after months of speculation. This role allows Perkins, a second-generation driver, to bring valuable experience to Objective Racing as they prepare for significant endurance events.
By taking on this position, Perkins is set to reach 21 starts at the Bathurst 1000, providing crucial support to rookie driver Jackson Walls during his first Supercars endurance campaign.
Walls Welcomes Perkins’ Expertise for Rookie Endurance Season
Jackson Walls expressed enthusiasm about Perkins joining Objective Racing for the endurance season. He highlighted Perkins’ reliability and speed as key assets for the team’s success.
“I’m very excited for Jack Perkins to be joining Objective Racing for this year’s endurance season,” said Walls.
Walls continued by acknowledging the extensive experience Perkins brings to endurance racing and the important guidance he expects Perkins will provide across the upcoming events.
“He has a huge amount of experience with this style of racing, I’m looking forward to the valuable guidance he’ll provide at these two events and throughout the year.”
Perkins Ready to Mentor Rookie Walls and Boost Team Performance
Perkins emphasized the value of supporting a promising rookie like Walls, recognizing the opportunity to share his knowledge in a co-driver role. He pointed to his past partnerships with successful young drivers as motivation for this collaboration.
“It’s great to be working with Jackson, who’s been very competitive in Porsche Carrera Cup and Super2. I’m keen to support him as a co-driver and as a voice in the garage for his first year,” said Perkins.
He reflected on driving with previous rookies Will Brown and Scott McLaughlin, who have both advanced to impressive careers, and noted a similar positive dynamic with Walls and Objective Racing this season.
“I’m very thankful to Jackson, Andrew [Jones], Jamie Whincup and Earl Evans for giving me this opportunity and can’t wait to drive with Objective Racing.”
Significance of Car Number 11 for Perkins and Walls
The partnership between Walls and Triple Eight is deepened by their shared connection to car number 11, a number carrying strong legacy within the Perkins family and the team.
Larry Perkins, Jack’s father, famously raced car #11 in more than 300 Australian Touring Car Championship and Supercars races, achieving three wins apiece at the Bathurst 1000 and Sandown 500 events.
“To be in car #11 at Bathurst will be very special for me personally and indeed my family. Dad won three Bathurst’s with car #11 in the nineties and that number is synonymous with the Perkins name,” Perkins remarked.
Jack Perkins himself competed full-time with car #11 from 2007 to 2009, and most recently appeared with the number during the 2023 Sandown Super2 round on a retro livery, although officially entered as car #70.
Upcoming Races Mark Perkins’ Return to Endurance Competition
Perkins is set to compete alongside Walls at Objective Racing in two key endurance races: The Bend 500 from September 11 to 13, and the prestigious Bathurst 1000, taking place October 8 to 11. Their combined experience and teamwork are expected to boost the squad’s competitiveness during these major events.
