The Phoenix Rises, Jake Finch Finds Redemption, Dominates At Talladega

After coming oh so close to his first career win in the ARCA Menards Series season, and taking a blowing defeat at Daytona, Jake Finch and his Phoenix Construction team were able to rise up and take home the victory in the General Tire 200 at Talladega Superspeedway, dominating and leading all 76 laps on the day.

This win marks his first in the ARCA Menards Series National platform. His second win in the ARCA platform as a whole after winning last year’s ARCA Menards Series East race at Dover Motor Speedway.

The Lynn Haven, FL native is now the 20th driver to get his first career win in the ARCA Menards Series at Talladega.

“Just trying to stay locked in. I can’t thank everyone enough. Shannon (Rusch) said if we just do what we need to do then we’ll kick everyone’s butts,” the 18-year-old said post-race.

“I couldn’t really believe like, we won. It’s super cool…Such a good day,” he added. Finch came so close to his first career win at Daytona earlier this year, but after contact on the last lap with Venturini teammate Gus Dean, the No. 20 machine was wrecked on the backstretch, a few thousand feet short.

Taking second on the day was Finch’s VMS teammate Kris Wright, who picked up his first career top five of his ARCA Menards Series career.

“It got a little hairy on the start…but we single filed out. I ran third for the first half, and second behind Finch in the second half. I made a move a little to late..the last thing I was gonna do was let someone win the race other than a Venturini car,” the Wexford, PA native said.

“I wanted to keep that victory in the Venturini camp.”

Toyota teammate Tanner Gray took home third on the day, with Daytona winner Gus Dean, and Christian Rose rounding out the top five.

In his return to the series for the first time since 2023, Frankie Muniz piloted the No. 30 for Rette Jones Racing and brought it home in ninth.

Other solid runs included Caleb Costner, tying his career-best 13th-place finish from 2023, and Cody Dennison, who came home in 17th place.

After the dominant performance by Finch at Talladega, we have a new points leader. Christian Rose now leads by one point over Greg Van Alst.

Up next, the Series travels to Dover Motor Speedway for a combination race with the East. You can catch the race live on FS1 on Friday at 5 P.M. ET.

Official Results from the General Tire 200 at Talladega Superspeedway