Driver Information

James "Jake" Finch Jr. (born June 16, 2005) is an American professional stock car racing driver. He last competed part-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving the No. 17 Chevrolet Camaro SS for Hendrick Motorsports. He also competed part-time in the ARCA Menards Series, driving the No. 25 Toyota Camry for Venturini Motorsports and also part-time in the ARCA Menards Series East. Finch began racing go-karts at a young age and quickly moved up to late models, winning in his first race. He has competed in various racing series and achieved notable wins in the ARCA Menards Series.
Full Name:
James Finch
Date of Birth:
16 June 2005
Place of Birth:
Lynn Haven, Florida, USA
Nationality:
United States
Residence:
Panama City, Florida, USA
Gender:
Male
Education:
A. Crawford Mosley High School
Profession:
Professional Racing Driver
Career Started (Year):
2020
Notable Achievements:
General Tire 200 (Years - 2024), General Tire 125 (Years - 2023)
Primary Series:
Previous Teams:
Phoenix Racing, Venturini Motorsports
Car Number:
17
Car Model:
Camaro SS

Jake Finch

Jake Finch Bio

Early Life and Background

James “Jake” Finch Jr. was born on June 16, 2005, in Lynn Haven, Florida, United States. He grew up in a family with deep roots in motorsports, as his father, James Finch, owned the former NASCAR Cup Series team, Phoenix Racing. Jake began racing go-karts at a young age, quickly transitioning to late models, where he showcased his talent by winning in his first race. He attended A. Crawford Mosley High School and graduated in 2023, balancing his education with his burgeoning racing career.

Path to NASCAR

Finch’s racing career began in earnest in 2020 when he participated in three late model races for Anthony Campi Racing, winning his debut race and finishing second in his subsequent outings. In 2021, he drove for Phoenix Racing, the family team that had been re-established, competing in several late model races. His journey continued in 2022 when he entered the SRL Southwest Tour, marking his entry into more competitive racing environments and setting the stage for his future in the NASCAR ranks.

Jake Finch Career

Early Career (2020–2021)

Finch’s early career was marked by his impressive performances in late model racing. After dominating his first race, he quickly gained recognition for his skill and determination. In 2021, he continued to develop his craft with Phoenix Racing, participating in various late model events and building a solid foundation for his future endeavors.

ARCA Menards Series Breakthrough (2022–2024)

In March 2022, Finch made his debut in the ARCA Menards Series East, driving for Phoenix Racing, marking the team’s return to NASCAR-sanctioned events. He later signed with Venturini Motorsports, where he competed in both the ARCA Menards Series and ARCA Menards Series East. Finch’s breakthrough came in 2023 when he secured his first win at the General Tire 125 in Dover. The following year, he achieved another significant victory at the General Tire 200 at Talladega, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the series.

NASCAR Xfinity Series Breakthrough (2025–Present)

In 2025, Finch made his highly anticipated debut in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving the No. 17 Chevrolet Camaro SS for Hendrick Motorsports. His first race was at Dover, where he aimed to build on his early success in the ARCA series. As he transitions into this new chapter, Finch’s performance will be closely watched as he seeks to establish himself in one of NASCAR’s premier series.

Race Car Driver Style and Strengths

Finch is known for his aggressive driving style and strong racecraft, which have contributed to his early successes. His ability to adapt to different racing conditions and his strategic approach to races make him a formidable competitor on the track.

Notable Achievements and Milestones

Finch’s notable achievements include his victories in the ARCA Menards Series, particularly the General Tire 125 and the General Tire 200. These wins not only highlight his talent but also mark significant milestones in his young career.

Jake Finch Career Wins

Jake Finch has made a mark in the ARCA Menards Series with two significant wins. His victories include the General Tire 125 in 2023 and the General Tire 200 in 2024, showcasing his potential as a competitive driver in the sport.

Current NASCAR Xfinity Series Highlights

As of 2025, Finch is set to compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he aims to make a strong impression in his debut season. While he seeks his first win in this series, his previous successes in the ARCA Menards Series provide a solid foundation for his aspirations.

Previous ARCA Menards Series Achievements

In the ARCA Menards Series, Finch achieved notable success with one win and multiple top finishes, including a best finish of 18th in 2024. His performances in the series have established him as a promising talent in the world of stock car racing.

Jake Finch Family

Family Background and NASCAR Lineage

Jake Finch comes from a family deeply involved in motorsports. His father, James Finch, is a former NASCAR team owner, which has influenced Jake’s passion for racing from a young age. This lineage has provided him with unique insights and opportunities within the racing community.

Personal Life

Outside of racing, Finch was an active baseball player during his school years. He has maintained a focus on his racing career while balancing his education and personal interests, demonstrating a commitment to both his sport and his academic pursuits.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marks a significant year for Jake Finch as he embarks on his journey in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. With his debut at Dover, Finch aims to leverage his prior experiences in the ARCA Menards Series to make an impact. As he navigates the challenges of a new series, his performance will be crucial in determining his trajectory within NASCAR. The support from Hendrick Motorsports and his previous racing successes provide a solid foundation as he looks to establish himself among the top competitors in the series.