Larry Perkins

18/3/1950

Record updated

Affectionately known as the 'Cowangie Kid' because he was from the tiny village of that name in Victoria, Larry came to Britain on the heels of Tim Schenken, with just as big a reputation, having left a winning trail through Formula Vee, Formula Ford and Australian F2 in three successive seasons between 1970 and 1972. Once in Europe, Perkins finished fifth in the 1972 Formula Ford Festival before taking a shot at Formula 3 in 1973, his season improving after he switched to a Brabham. In 1974 Larry was involved in the ill-fated Amon F1 project and an unhappy attempt to qualify at the Nurburgring, before re-establishing his career back in F3 in 1975 with the works Ralt, winning the European championship. Perkins landed a deal to drive the Boro (nee Ensign) for the first part of 1976, and then came his big chance with Brabham, replacing the Ferrari-bound Reutemann for the final three races. To be frank, he blew it and found himself signing a contract to race the truly awful Stanley-BRM in 1977. After two races he gratefully jumped from the sinking ship, subsequently appearing briefly and unsuccessfully with Surtees. Returning to Australia, Larry - now something of a big fish in a small pond - regained some pride winning the 1979 Australian F5000 series, before concentrating on a long, hugely successful and rewarding career in touring car racing. Larry has won the famous Bathurst race six times to date and his Holden Commodore team has consistently been a major force in the Australian national series.