Perkins’ renowned Perkins Engineering business expanded recently and will oversee preparation of four cars in this year’s V8 Supercar Championship, with Tony Longhurst and Anthony Tratt joining Castrol Perkins regulars Steven Richards and Paul Dumbrell.

“The increase in sales with the two extra V8 Supercar franchises means our engine shop will be busier than ever this year,” Perkins said.

“To service the needs of all four cars and to keep them competitive and on-track, we will have to build and maintain a minimum of 13 Holden Motorsport engines.”

With a combined value in excess of $1 million, Perkins and his staff will also rebuild each of the 600-plus horsepower engines up to four times during the course of the season – the lifespan of every individual engine component tracked using a computerised database system.

Aside from the cylinder block and heads, sourced directly from Holden Motorsport, and a number of other internal pieces purchased from trusted outside suppliers, Perkins Engineering designs and machines many of the vital engine components in-house.

“Performing the work we do is the most cost-effective way for Perkins Engineering to build these engines, while it also allows us to control the specifications and reliability of the components,” Perkins said.

In addition to keeping with the racing schedule, Perkins Engineering will also undertake an extensive research and development programme.

“While many of the engine’s technical specifications are set, and the gains to be had are small, our competitive spirit means we are always looking for ways to increase performance,” he said.

Richards and Dumbrell will again drive for Castrol Perkins Racing, while Longhurst returns to the Castrol fold with Rod Nash Racing, Tratt again driving under the Toll Racing banner.

The 2004 V8 Supercar season begins with the Netspace V8 Supercar 100 at the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne on 4-7 March.