Supercar driver talks up the need for speed

Motor racing driver Jack Perkins is encouraging Australians to think F.A.S.T. when it comes to stroke.  

While Jack is no stranger to travelling fast on the track, the word fast has taken on a new significance since he experienced a sudden stroke in 2016, which threatened to change his life and end his career.   

F.A.S.T. is a way of remembering the most common signs of stroke. If you suspect a stroke, ask these questions.  

Face Check their face. Has their mouth drooped? 

Arms Can they lift both arms? 

Speech Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you? 

Time is critical. If you see any of these signs call triple zero (000) straight away 

Jack said you can help save a life simply by knowing the F.A.S.T. message and calling triple zero (000) at the first sign of stroke.  

“I now know stroke can happen to anyone. It happened to me,” Jack said. 

“A stroke attacks your brain, but the faster you get to hospital for medical treatment, the better your chance is of survival and successful rehabilitation.”  

Jack has opened up about his stroke for the first time to raise awareness that people of any age can experience a stroke – even young, fit motor racing drivers.  

“One morning I woke up and couldn’t move my arm. I thought it was weird, but I tried to get on with my day as normal. When my condition didn’t improve, I knew I needed to get to hospital,” Jack said.  

“It was a shock to be diagnosed with a stroke. I thought a stroke was something that only happened to people later in life and I worried about what it meant for my future and my family.  

“I am fortunate my stroke was not worse and I was soon able to move on to rehabilitation, where I worked hard to get the movement back in my hand.” 

In 2020, more than 27,400 people had a stroke for the first time in Australia. Of these, approximately 29 strokes each day were experienced by Australians of a working age (18-64).  

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan thanked Jack for helping to spread the word about stroke and the F.A.S.T message.  

“I commend Jack for his courage not only on the track, but for sharing his stroke experience publicly,” Ms McGowan said.  

“It is wonderful to see Jack has made a near-full recovery and can continue chasing his dreams.  

“It is important to remember stroke is always a medical emergency at any age. Time saved equals brain saved.”