Master and apprentice: Larry's lad gets enduro call
9/8/2002 14:27 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) -
There’s a changing of the guard happening at Castrol Perkins Racing.
Castrol Racing's endurance squad: (from left) Larry Perkins, Russell Ingall, Steven Richards and new signing Paul Dumbrell
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Larry Perkins, master motorsportsman and stalwart racing driver, has anointed a successor – Konica Series champion Paul Dumbrell.
The 19-year-old Victorian, a runaway winner in this year’s junior V8 racing league with four victories from five rounds, will play the apprentice for now, lining up alongside Russell Ingall, Steven Richards and Perkins for the team’s always formidable endurance assault.
But an early promotion is likely, with Dumbrell favoured to drive fulltime for the team next season, replacing Perkins in his self-imposed semi-retirement.
Endurance partnerships are yet to be announced, though Dumbrell is likely to drive with his new boss and six-time Bathurst winner – perhaps the 52-year-old's racing swansong.
Ingall and Richards expect to be paired together for Bathurst and the preceding Queensland 500.
“Talents like Paul need to be carefully nurtured to develop to their full potential and he will benefit considerably from the experience of racing with us,” Perkins said, hinting at a more permanent position for Dumbrell next season.
“As his success in the Konica Series shows, Paul Dumbrell is an exciting talent and we are thrilled that he will be joining us for this year’s endurance races.
“His addition will also give our team an excellent blend of experience and youthful enthusiasm.”
Dumbrell said a call-up from Perkins was what every aspiring driver dreams of.
“For Larry Perkins to call and ask you to drive one of his Castrol Perkins Commodores is huge news,” he said.
“I’m happy Larry recognised what I’ve achieved in the Konica Series and has placed his total confidence and faith in me – the experience will be invaluable for both myself and my career.”
The teenager already has three Bathurst starts to his name, debuting for John Faulkner Racing in 1999.
He drove for Garry Rogers at the endurance events last season.
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