BAKERSFIELD, CA- Rising star Blaine Perkins might just be the busiest racer at Irwindale Speedway this upcoming Saturday, as he prepares for twin 30-lap events in the Seidner’s Collision Late Model division as well as a return to the lauded Lucas Oil Modified Series.
In total, the 15-year old will log 135-laps over the course of the evening, as he continues to carve out a reputation for himself in the newly reinvigorated West Coast short track scene.
“It seems like every weekend we’ve spent at the track this season has been about challenging ourselves and learning new things – and this will be nothing new,” says Perkins when asked about the hectic schedule of his upcoming race day.
“135-laps will be more than I’ve ever done in a single night, but I can’t wait for the opportunity”
The Bakersfield, CA native will enter the twin-30s event fourth in the Irwindale Late Model points standings – just six markers removed from second place.
“There’s a lot to be excited about when it comes to our Late Model program,” smiles the charismatic teenager.
“We’ve come a long way with it. I’m more confident in our chances with every start we make. The more we race this car, the better we are, so I’m happy that the [Irwindale Speedway] schedule is a lot more compact in the second half of the season”
Perkins continues to turn heads in his first full season working with the High Point Racing team, with his trademark tenacity and almost unrivaled consistency.
“When we first started our weekly program with High Point this season, we thought aiming for a top-5 in points was a pretty lofty goal,” admits the first-generation racer. “To be sitting so close to the runner-up spot this late in the year is fantastic. It’s awesome to be able to count ourselves amongst some of the best teams on this roster”
“With that said, our goal is not to concern ourselves with the points on race day,” continues the well-spoken up-and-comer. “We have to just unload, do our best to get this car pointed in the right direction and stick to the same strategy that’s been working for us all season”
On the Lucas Oil Modified Series front, Perkins is set for his second series appearance at his hometrack, and will enter the 75-lap event on the strength of a top-10 finish when the series last visited Irwindale in late-June.
Saturday’s contest will mark Blaine’s first appearance behind the wheel of Garcia Racing’s accomplished No. 57. The new partnership with allow Perkins to race as a teammate to Lucas Oil Series standout – and defending series champion – Dylan Cappello.
“The Lucas Oil Series is some of the most fun I’ve had all season,” says Perkins. “These guys are all incredibly tough, and it’s a blast racing with them. Dylan [Cappello] is one of the best on the West Coast right now, and it’s going to be an awesome learning experience to run with him this weekend”
“The Garcia Racing team has some fantastic personnel and equipment. I’m counting the hours until we get to work together this weekend,” continues Perkins
“I feel as though my Modified performances have been getting better with every start – and I’m sure that the intel I can pick up from Dylan and his team will only help me in continuing my growth as a competitor.”
Details for this Saturday’s jam-packed event can be found at www.IrwindaleSpeedway.com.
Perkins’ 2015 season is fueled by Four Star Fruit, KMC Wheels, Reeve’s Complete Auto Care and Campbell Motorsports.
Fans can stay up to date on Blaine’s busy schedule by visiting the official Blaine Perkins Racing page on Facebook.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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