Larry Perkins by Phillip Whelan

Larry Perkins (born 18th March 1950) seems to have 'been there and done everything' during his racing career. The often-outspoken, self-taught engineer from country Victoria has literally done everything there is to be done in motor racing. From the beginner's ranks in Formula Ford to the lofty heights of Formula One, LP has literally 'been there, done that.'

With six Bathurst wins to his credit (three in cars he built himself) Larry Perkins is certainly qualified to be called an "Australian Motor Sport Legend". Larry has seen action in Formula One, where he was briefly Niki Lauda's teammate at Brabham in 1976. Having raced at Le Mans he finished fourth, for Jaguar. 1975 saw him European Formula Three Champion.

Since returning to Australia Larry has built up a motorsport engineering business that builds many Commodores for other V8 supercar teams.

Larry's driving and engineering skills linked with teamwork and determination make a formidable opponent.

In 2002 Larry Perkins announced that he will retire from full-time racing, however he will continue driving with the team in a testing role and selected two driver events.

Career Highlights

1999

- First place Queensland 500

1998

- First place Sandown 500 (V8 Supercars)

1997

- First place Bathurst 1000 classic (with Russell Ingall)

1995

- First place Bathurst 1000 (with Russell Ingall)
- First place Sandown International Raceway Round

1993

- First place Bathurst 1000 (with Greg Hansford)

1992

- First place Sandown 500

1988

- 4th Le-mans 24 hr (with Jaguar)

1984

- First place Sandown 500
- First place Bathurst 1000 (with Peter Brock)

1983

- First place Bathurst 1000 (with Peter Brock)

1982

- First place Bathurst 1000 (with Peter Brock)

1980

- Founded Perkins Engineering

1979

- Rothmans Formula 5000 Champion

1975

- First place European Formula 3 Championship

1972

- Australian Formula 2 Champion

1971

- First place Australian Formula Ford Championship

JAN05

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