A Strategic Partnership: Danielle and Jason Perry, NASA Northwest Regional Directors

The decision to launch the new NASA Northwest Region was not one that Danielle and Jason Perry made lightly. Despite their established success — Jason with his full-service prep shop, JDP Racing, and Danielle in healthcare leadership, where she has built call centers and structured Medicare plans for major insurance providers — the couple initially approached the prospect of working together with careful consideration.

Their hesitation stemmed from their complementary yet distinct working styles. “Our approaches to work are fundamentally different,” Danielle explained. “Jason operates with creative flexibility, while I bring systematic organization to the table. When this opportunity arose, we took time to evaluate whether a professional partnership aligned with our strengths. It took us a few years to reach a decision. However, after conducting multiple exploratory trips to the Northwest, we’ve found our rhythm. We’re genuinely enjoying the process. We’ve clearly defined our respective responsibilities, and the collaboration is proving successful.”

Building a Foundation for Regional Excellence

NASA Northwest will begin with transitional crossover events in March and April, partnering with the NASA NorCal Region, before hosting its inaugural independent event in June at Oregon Raceway Park in Grass Valley, Ore. The season will continue with events at Portland International Raceway, Pacific Raceways, and The Ridge Motorsports Park in Washington.

The Perrys have invested considerable time consulting with established NASA regional directors and conducting extensive site visits to develop programs that will deliver exceptional experiences for their members from the outset.

“We have deep appreciation for the NASA program,” Jason noted. “As a race team, we’ve consistently supported this organization because we believe in its mission as a developmental platform for motorsports. When NASA National approached us about this opportunity, I consulted with Danielle, who already manages large-scale organizations in her professional capacity. She recognized the significant potential, and we moved forward together.”

Engaging the Community

In preparation for the upcoming season, the Perrys hosted a meet-and-greet event at OpenBay Garage, located near Pacific Raceways in Washington. The gathering provided an opportunity to address questions, allow prospective members to experience the region’s tracks through OpenBay’s racing simulators, and officially introduce the new region to the motorsports community.

“We had an impressive turnout of 50 to 60 attendees for our inaugural event, which was simply an opportunity to meet us personally,” Jason reported. “The response was overwhelmingly positive. Numerous shops attended and expressed interest in participating in NASA Northwest. I’ve visited various regions to observe their operational models and have incorporated the most effective practices I’ve experienced as a racer. My goal is to implement everything I’ve learned that creates positive experiences for our members.”

Addressing Historical Concerns

During the meet-and-greet, the Perrys addressed questions regarding the previous NASA Northwest Region, which operated approximately a decade ago before disbanding — an understandable concern that warranted transparent discussion.

“I want to provide complete clarity for everyone,” Jason stated. “I have an established track record in motorsports, and I’m committed to this for the long term. NASA Northwest is here to stay. Motorsports is not just my profession — it’s my life’s passion. I’m fortunate to have a supportive partner in Danielle who embraces this commitment. This region is built on a solid foundation.”

Looking Ahead

NASA Northwest will be scheduling an additional community event for May, featuring a dyno-testing and car tech party in partnership with Racer on Rails. This innovative approach transforms a standard technical requirement for Super Touring and Time Trial competitors into an engaging social experience that fosters community connection.

As the Perrys prepare to launch NASA Northwest, their combined expertise, strategic planning, and genuine passion for motorsports position the region for sustained success and growth in the years ahead.

We caught up with the Perry’s and asked them to answer a series of questions about their plans for NASA Northwest. As you will see, the region is in good hands.

Q: OK, so what possessed you to start the NASA Northwest Region?

Jason: The Pacific Northwest has always had incredible drivers, cars and tracks, but there hasn’t been a unified NASA home for them in quite some time. Danielle and I felt there was an opportunity to bring back a region built on consistency, safety and community — one that truly reflects what NASA does best nationwide.

Danielle: We also saw a need for leadership that listens. Drivers here are passionate and knowledgeable. Creating a region that values their input while maintaining NASA standards was a challenge we were excited to take on.

Q: What are you most excited about as you launch NASA Northwest?

Danielle: Building culture from day one. That means instructors who care, volunteers who feel valued, and drivers who know they belong.

Jason: I’m excited to see progression, HPDE drivers moving up, racers finding competitive homes, and new faces entering the sport through a clear, structured pathway.

Q: As most readers know, there was a NASA region in that part of the country about 10 years ago. What is going to be your overarching philosophy to make NASA Northwest the best it can be?

Jason: Consistency, fairness, and safety. If drivers know what to expect every weekend and trust the process, everything else follows.

Danielle: And professionalism without losing approachability. We want events to be run well, but still feel welcoming and fun.

Q: In the past, Jason, you have spoken about racing in NASA events all over the country. What did you learn from those experiences and how do you plan to use them as you operate the Northwest region?

Jason: I learned what works, and what doesn’t. The best regions communicate clearly, enforce rules evenly, and support drivers at every level. We’re applying those lessons directly here.

Q: In what facets of the region could you use some volunteers? In other words, how can people help if they want to?

Danielle: Everywhere, grid, tech, registration, timing & scoring, hospitality. Volunteers are the backbone of NASA, and we’ll support and train them properly.

Q: How can people become instructors with NASA Northwest?

Jason: We are looking for experienced, patient drivers who want to give back. We’ll mentor new instructors to maintain high standards.

Q: What kinds of things do you have planned for the sprint racing classes?

Jason: Competitive, well-managed classes with fair classing and strong race control. We want sprint racing that rewards preparation and race craft.

Q: Based on your schedule, you should have good weather all season, but you are in the Pacific Northwest. If rain becomes a factor, how do you plan to accommodate Time Trial competition?

Jason: Rain is part of racing in the Northwest. We’ll use adjusted run groups, clear rules, and where appropriate, rain-specific scoring or sessions to keep things fair and safe.

Q: How do you plan to reach out to the racers in the Northwest? How are you going to expand the NASA family?

Danielle: Direct engagement. Social media, paddock conversations, spending time in the Northwest visiting with partners and organizations. Growth happens when people feel heard and supported.

Q: What racing classes do you believe will be the most popular in the NASA Northwest Region?

Jason: ST classes, Spec Miata, and Time Trial will be strong right away. HPDE will always be the foundation.

Q: What can Spec Miata racers look forward to from NASA Northwest?

Jason: Strong fields, fair competition, and close racing. Spec Miata thrives when it’s well-managed, and that’s our goal.

Q: What are the most important things you want racers in the area to know?

Danielle: We’re here to stay, and we’re committed to doing this right.

Jason: And we care about the experience. We want people to want to drive with NASA.

Q: What can HPDE drivers expect when participating in the NASA Northwest Region?

Danielle: Structured run groups, quality instructors, and a welcoming environment.

Jason: HPDE is about learning and confidence. We’ll never lose sight of that.

Q: What will you do for HPDE drivers who do not want to drive in the rain? Do you have any policies planned?

Jason: Safety comes first. We’ll communicate options clearly, including adjusted sessions or credits when possible, but driving in the rain is great for teaching car control.

Q: You have four events planned at each of the tracks in Oregon and Washington, plus three in Northern California with the NorCal Region. Which events do you think will be most popular for you?

Danielle: We would love to see all our events be popular. That’s what we are aiming for.

Q: Portland International Raceway hosts a number of big-ticket pro events and other kinds of festivals. Do you have any plans for any festival-like events, eventually?

Jason: Long term, yes. PIR has incredible potential, but so do the rest of the tracks in the Northwest. Once the region is established, we’d love to build events that bring in fans, families, and partners, not just drivers.