Quietly racing and learning through the years Jim Perricone is the lost racer from the Florida era. Many big names are mentioned such as Gene Lasker, Sport Allen, Kenny Adams, Bobby Allen and the youth of the late TJ Winegardner, Bryn Gohn and RJ Johnson. All cut their teeth in the heart of East Bay Raceway in the days. All made names for themselves and ventured out of the state to run with the big National series. Bobby Allen finding the greatest success on the World of Outlaws, and now travels with his son Jacob Allen and Logan Schuhart. RJ Johnson son of Roland Johnson a champion in Florida is really making a name for himself in the Midwest at Knoxville Raceway in the 410's. Those that race may know Jim and the competitor he is. But who is Jim Perricone and how did he get to running shows with the World of Outlaws?
Jim started his racing career in 1996 running a Gambler sprint car bought from Stan, Keith and Shane Butler. With the help of Ron Armstrong a Florida pavement sprint veteran Jim took to East Bay Raceway. During many of the Winternational 410 shows during those days Jim competed against the 410's at East Bay raceway but would run 360's during the rest of the year. Eventually Jim finished 10th in points in 2010 with running a limited schedule and placing a best 3rd place that year. Jim's primary job has always been running Hotels for the likes of Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt. Jim was joined by long time crew chief Bob Thompson and the two have built a solid team over the years.
It was in 2004 Jim's job took him out of the state of Florida and the team relocated to Hohenwald, TN. Here the shop is maintained by Bob Thompson and the cars are carefully prepared for racing in the Midwest. The team would switch to J&J Auto Racing chassis in 2011 and began running Regional series with USCS, ASCS and NRA 360 shows. In 2012 the team ventured into 410 sprint car shows with the World of Outlaws, All Star Sprints and MOWA. As the team gained more exposure the sponsors and assistance started to come. Now long time sponsors J&J Auto Racing, Bell Racing, Butlerbuilt Seats and Kreitz Oval Parts have been there year after year.
Jim has raced a limited schedule each year and has progressed into a solid racer, supported by some great equipment and an experienced crew chief Bob Thompson behind him. Both Jim and Bob's long time goal was to finally reach racing 410's on a full time status. In 2016 Jim at the Prelude to the Iron Man 55 at Pevely Speedway made his first World of Outlaw feature. Jim would finish 20th that night and did it by racing into the show. This motivation set the stage for the team to now make the leap to 410's on a more permanent schedule. 2017 was an off year for the team as Jim's Hotel job took priority over racing. In 2018 Jim will make his first run at 410's with both World of Outlaws and All Star Sprints. The team is now joined with famous engine builder Gaerte Engines of Topps Motorsports. The combination of new J&J Chassis and Gaerte 410 motors should be strong to keep Jim competitive in 2018.
Florida Sprint car racing may have forgotten about Jim Perricone and where it all began. But come February at the DIRTcarNationals at Volusia, many may remember the 22 year veteran who won't forget all those in Florida that helped him along the way to reach the pinnacle of Sprint Car series the World of Outlaws. Jim looks forward to being with old friends and sharing a passion for a sport and respect for his competitors that we all have in common. Don't forget to stop by and meet one of the nicest guys in the sport.
- James Perricone on Nov 17, 2017
- Article Date: 11/17/2017