Holden Racing Team has announced Jack Perkins will pair with James Courtney for this year’s V8 Supercars Pirtek Enduro Cup.
Despite being replaced at Charlie Schwerkolt Racing after one season, Perkins’ extensive experience which includes nine at the Bathurst 1000, meant he was hot property in the co-driver market this year.
Perkins, son of Holden legend Larry Perkins, who won three of his six Bathurst 1000 triumphs as co-driver to Peter Brock at the Holden Dealer Team in the 1980s, is set to live out a childhood dream after landing the seat with the Holden Racing Team.
“Like so many Australian kids, I grew up dreaming of racing for Holden’s official factory racing team, so it’s a fantastic feeling to join HRT,” said Perkins.
“It’s also great to be back with Holden. It’s home for my family and I, so I cannot wait to get started and help the lion to roar throughout 2015.
“I couldn’t be happier to pair with James Courtney, who is the only driver to have won a championship during Jamie Whincup’s period of supremacy.
“I’m going to put my best foot forward for James and HRT’s ambitions, and we’ll also do our best to reclaim Bathurst’s Peter Brock trophy as well.”
Perkins replaces Greg Murphy who has raced with Courtney for the past two endurance seasons, but has taken up a role with V8TV this year.
Holden Racing Team managing director, Adrian Burgess said he was excited to pair Perkins with Courtney for the important enduro rounds.
“It’s great to bring Jack Perkins into the HRT family. He’s fresh from a full-time drive, and comes with solid Bathurst experience – two key ingredients in being able to jump in and be competitive straight away,” Burgess said.
“We’re looking forward to putting him together with James, and know that they will make a formidable pairing for Sandown, Bathurst and the Gold Coast.”
Perkins will have his first taste of the #22 HRT VF Commodore at this weekend’s V8 SuperTest at Sydney Motorsport Park.