BAKERSFIELD, CA- With the first half of Irwindale Speedway’s Late Model season complete, rookie contender Blaine Perkins continues to impress in the veteran-heavy division. With top-5 finishes in 8 of his last 10 starts at the half-smile speedplant, Perkins enters the second half of 2015 4th in championship points standings – just 12 markers removed from the top-3.
“This team just keeps getting better,” says Perkins in reference to his season-long improvement. “We’ve been through some ups and downs this season, but I honestly feel like we’ve been racing together forever. I couldn’t ask for a better group of guys to have in my corner”
The first generation racer has chased a busy schedule already in 2015, mixing select appearances with the Lucas Oil Modifieds and SRL Spears Southwest Tour Series with his weekly commitments to Irwindale’s perennially stacked Late Model division.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to experience so much in such a short amount of time,” says the personable teenager. “I’ve had the chance to work with some amazing people already this year, and I feel like I’m a completely different driver than I was in February when we first started all of this. Looking back on where I was just a few months ago has me so excited for the future. I honestly feel like I’m a better version of myself every time I show up at a speedway”
“I wasn’t really sure what to expect coming in to this season, because I had never put together a full schedule of Late Model racing before,” continues Perkins. “But, this team has been incredible, they’ve worked with me every step of the way”
“Every weekend, I feel like we’re closer to realizing our potential. When we roll through the gates on Saturday afternoon now, I know that we have something for any driver on this roster”
Despite a rash of top-5 finishes and podium appearances, Perkins’ team continues to work their way towards their first career Late Model victory. Perkins insists, his team has no intentions of ending 2015 without a trip to victory lane.
“We’ve spent the first half of the season learning everything we can. It’s amazing the difference that confidence can do for a team,” says the Bakersfield, CA driver. “Right now, we’re a few adjustments away from really bringing this car to life. No one in these pits works as hard as we do. We’re gonna get one before the year is over. I can feel it”
“I’ve learned so much from the teams that are around me on a weekly basis, this second half of the season is going to be about implementing all that I’ve picked up,” offers Perkins. “My focus is on maximizing our potential and minimizing the amount of mistakes that I make. I’ve learned a couple things the hard way already this season, but it’s made me a better racer”
“This team is, without question, good enough to win here,” continues Perkins. “We just need to put it all together and make it happen.”
Blaine Perkins will return to action at Irwindale Speedway this Saturday, August 29th for a double-feature event for the Late Models as part of the speedway’s ‘Back to School Night’. Details can be found at www.IrwindaleSpeedway.com.
Perkins’ 2015 season is fueled by Four Star Fruit, KMC Wheels 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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