BAKERSFIELD, CA-Although his first career SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour event did not go exactly as planned, personable up-and-comer Blaine Perkins was all smiles post-race at Irwindale Speedway.
“I just wanted to ride and knock down some laps,” explained Perkins. “We were in a good spot and were really starting to get a feel for the car. As soon as I was getting comfortable – our race was over”
The Irwindale Speedway regular had worked his way into the top-10 when contact with another competitor damaged the front end of his No. 17 and sent him careening into the infield.
“I think I’ve watched the replay about 100 times. It all happened before I even had time to react. I was just getting back to the throttle when he came down across our front end,” said Perkins when asked about the incident.
“I hate it for the team more than anything. These guys worked their hearts for three days at the track to get this car where it needed to be. We were just biding our time”
Though the disappointment was evident, Perkins insisted the lessons learned at the hands of the MMI team will prove invaluable for the up-and-comer.
“We’re not going to let this get us down,” smiled Perkins. “We made a ton of gains on this car, and I learned more in three days than I ever thought possible”
“[Crew Chief] Steve Portenga is a genius, man. I cannot wait to work with him again. We clicked from the first lap of our first practice session”
“Everyone at the MMI team were amazing to deal with,” continued Perkins. “I wanted nothing more than to give them a run they could be proud of. I hope I can get back in their car real soon”
When asked about the level of competition on the tour, Perkins had nothing but praise for his fellow competitors.
“It was like going to college,” laughed the Bakerfield, CA native. “This tour is so tough. These drivers are truly some of the best on the West Coast. It was awesome to run in the top-10 with them – and I’m really looking forward to coming back and testing myself against them soon.”
For the time being, Perkins will return his attention to his weekly Late Model program at Irwindale Speedway in addition to select appearances with the Lucas Oil Modified Series.
Marketing support for Blaine Perkins’ 2015 season is provided by Four Star Fruit, Campbell Motorsports, Hronis Racing, Mentom Eyewear, Vine Ripe Sales, M&S Produce, E Fruit, Double Eagle Produce & Transportation and Reeves Auto Care Center.
Fans can stay up to date with Blaine by visiting the official Blaine Perkins Racing page on Facebook or by following on Twitter @BlainePerkins21.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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