Since rising to NASCAR’s national series in 2021, Blaine Perkins has moved frequently between teams, competing mainly in the Xfinity Series while also running select races in the Craftsman Truck Series. The California native has spent the past three seasons focusing on full-time competition in the Xfinity Series and is now determined to forge a lasting relationship with Jordan Anderson Racing starting in 2025, recognizing the team’s growing reputation.
Over the years, Perkins raced for SS Green Light Racing, Our Motorsports, and RSS Racing before making the choice to join Jordan Anderson Racing’s multi-car effort. His priority is to establish consistency and contribute to the development of the No. 31 car at a team that is quickly gaining momentum.
Perkins Focuses on Building a Competitive Future with the No. 31 Team
Perkins expressed strong enthusiasm for the team’s upward trajectory, stating,
“Everyone knows within the garage that this team is definitely rising,”
highlighting his motivation to be part of the squad’s growth. He envisions settling in for multiple seasons, aiming to transform the No. 31 entry into a playoff contender with potential for race wins.
Reflecting on the progress of Jordan Anderson Racing, he added,
“I’m hoping I found a good home here. Seeing what Jeb (Burton) has built here the last couple of years is something I would love to build myself here with the 31 team. It’s been good to work with so many different people throughout the garage, different teams. I’m hoping to settle down now after this year.”
Team Success and Perkins’ Road Course Strengths Highlight Progress
Jordan Anderson Racing has seen mounting success, especially with Jeb Burton’s No. 27 team, which achieved the squad’s first victory at Talladega Superspeedway in 2023 and remains a regular playoff contender. Perkins believes that winning with the No. 31 car is imminent given his promising performances on road courses in 2025. Jordan Anderson himself regards Perkins as the team’s versatile driver capable of handling diverse track types.
New Resources and a Learning Curve Shape Perkins’ 2025 Season
Stepping into a better-funded and more resourceful outfit this year, Perkins has faced a challenging schedule that now includes using a manufacturer’s simulator for the first time. Before 2025, his preparation consisted mainly of watching video clips and onboard camera footage. Adjusting to this approach has been part of a learning process, especially in adapting to different driving styles and building a detailed setup notebook akin to what Burton has developed.
Perkins shared,
“There has been a little bit of a learning phase as well because nobody drives a car the same,”
continuing,
“They’ve built such a good notebook and figuring out ‘how do we change that to fit my driving style?’ I think we’re finally getting to that point now. It’s something I have never experienced before.”
Jordan Anderson Racing’s Commitment to Developing Emerging Talent
Team owner Jordan Anderson has made giving young drivers opportunities a priority, exemplified by recently running Parker Retzlaff for consecutive seasons to foster talent. The No. 31 car is regarded as the strongest equipment Perkins has driven so far, a factor that has increased his confidence and performance.
Anderson noted,
“I think it’s been fun watching him because when he came in, it was like when Parker came to us and the unknown,”
and added,
“The equipment he was in, you never really knew. Giving him the confidence, knowing he has a team behind him and he’s got the cars; they are reliable and he’s getting good pieces every week.”
He also emphasized improvements within the team, stating,
“I think us as a team, we’ve gotten better this year. Rather than just having the 27 and 31 team, we’ve got a lot of shared roles throughout where the same people are building both cars and working closer together. There is more consistency across the board. We’ve cleaned up a lot of things internally that have helped when the cars go to the race track. Every driver is going to have their preferences, but the core of building structure with how the cars are getting put together is the same.”
Crew Chief Addition Strengthens Perkins’ Development
The team added Cody McKenzie as the crew chief for the No. 31 car following the first three races, bringing significant engineering expertise that has aided Perkins in improving his performance. This leadership change has been instrumental in helping Perkins refine what he needs to succeed on track.
Anderson remarked,
“It’s been fun to watch him grow and his confidence grow over the course of the season and watch him get more aggressive,”
continuing,
“I know when I was coming up and knowing how important the equipment was, and I never really had a fair shake at it. So to have him come in this year and try to help him get better has been fun to step back and watch.”
Chasing Consistency and Milestones in a Competitive Series
With 10 races left in the 2025 season, Perkins is on track to record personal bests in average starting and finishing positions, already accumulating two top-10 finishes—both career highs. Although he is still less experienced than many drivers in the field, his goals remain realistic as he and the team target consistent top-15 results, with inside the top 20 considered a positive outcome given the series’ depth.
Perkins identifies race management and preserving equipment as ongoing challenges but remains grateful for his opportunities. He reflected,
“There are a lot of guys that deserve good opportunities,”
and added,
“I’m thankful to be one of those guys just to have an opportunity and to be here.”
Upcoming Races Mark Important Career Milestones
The Xfinity Series is currently on a brief pause before resuming at Daytona International Speedway. The subsequent race at Portland International Raceway will feature Perkins’ 100th career start in the series, a significant milestone that underscores his steady progression and commitment to Jordan Anderson Racing as he aims to make it his long-term home.