LYNN HAVEN, Fla. – Phoenix Racing, the team owned by veteran NASCAR car owner James Finch, is returning to action.
Phoenix Racing will resume race team operations by fielding pro and super late models for Finch’s son, Jake Finch. The team previously competed in NASCAR prior to James Finch selling the operation midway through the 2013 season.
Finch will drive Phoenix Construction sponsored No. 51 Chevrolet’s across the Southeast. The Lynn Haven, Fla., based Phoenix Racing program will make its first start of the season at Watermelon Capital Speedway in Cordele, Ga., on Jan. 23. Crew chief Johnny Allen, who paired with James Finch in NASCAR competition, will call the shots for the No. 51.
Jake Finch made three pro model starts for Anthony Campi Racing in 2020. The 15-year-old went to victory lane in his first career pro late model start, dominating a 100-lap event in Cordele, Ga. In his second start, Jake Finch rallied late and lost by mere inches at Five Flags Speedway. In his finale start of the year during the Snowflake 100 in Pensacola, Fla., Jake Finch drove from 26th to second In addition to his three pro late model entries, Finch also competed in outlaw late model events at Five Flags Speedway, finding his way to victory lane mid-summer.
“I’m really excited to be racing for my dad and Phoenix Construction in template late models. We’re still putting our program together and finding the right people, so we can race for wins this season. I am very thankful for the chance and can’t wait to get the year started,” said Jake Finch.
The No. 51 will race at New Smyrna Speedway during the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing in February. Phoenix Racing will also make starts with the younger Finch at various prestigious races throughout the upcoming season, with announcements to follow.
James Finch owned and operated cars that competed in the NASCAR Cup and NASCAR Xfinity Series for more than 20 years. Martin Truex Jr., Kurt Busch, Ryan Newman, Jamie McMurray, Bobby Labonte, Austin Dillon, Johnny Benson Jr., and many other competitors raced for Finch.
Brad Keselowski gave Phoenix Racing its only NASCAR Cup Series victory at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway in 2009. The team also earned 13 Xfinity Series victories with drivers Jeff Purvis, Randy LaJoie, Jimmy Spencer, McMurray, Johnny Sauter and Busch. The team is also credited with 10 ARCA Menards Series victories.