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Kids Bike Races Friday, Finch Eyes Repeat PLM 100

Finch Aims to Expand Allen Turner PLM Lead; Kids’ Bike Races Return Friday at 5 Flags

By Chuck Corder
5flagsspeedway.com reporter
Jake Finch’s blossoming career continues to reach new heights.
Still, the Florida Panhandle product—who races Late Models and is in his fourth year competing on the ARCA Menards Series—wanted to make sure he felt comfortable in this rarefied air.
Last week, after less than a year of lessons and solo flights, Finch passed the test to receive his pilot’s license.
“It’s similar to racing for the discipline you have to have,” said Finch, who turns 20 on Monday. “With flying, I respect it a lot—how dangerous it can be. I treat it very professionally. But it’s also calming for me when I get up there. I like the concentration.”
While the Lynn Haven native won’t be flying to Pensacola this week, Finch’s concentration will be once again tested Friday at Five Flags Speedway for the second Allen Turner Hyundai Series Pro Late Model 100 race of the season.
As a result of his season-opening win in April, Finch comes into Friday as the PLM points leader. That’s not his focus, though.
“My mindset for any race is just trying to win,” he said. “Whether I have a zero-point lead or a 500-point lead, I want to win the race and do the best I can. That’s my goal.”
Finch will try to achieve that goal again Friday when a stacked field descends upon the famed half-mile asphalt oval.
The PLMs will be in action along with the Gulf Real Estate Group Pro Trucks (25 laps), Lloyd’s Glass Pure Stocks (25) and Story and Bleich Roofing Crown Stocks (25).
They will all share the stage for Five Flags’ annual kids bike races. Like every year, there will be three age divisions—10-to-12, 6-to-9 and 5-and-under—and every child will receive a trophy and a cool Kona Ice treat thanks to The Dock on Pensacola Beach.
Winners of each class will receive a special trophy. All kids must have their own bike and a helmet.

Kids Winners Last Year

Gates open at 5 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults; $12 for seniors, military and students; $5 for children ages 6-to-11; and free for kids 5-and-under.
To his knowledge, Finch never competed in the bike races, opting instead for four wheels. He won at Cordele Motor Speedway the last time he raced PLMs. Additionally, he has posted a pair of top-15s, including a seventh at Talladega, for the ARCA Series.
“It’s been a good year so far,” Finch said. “Racing is a little weird in the sense that it doesn’t feel like your normal season, like in baseball or another sport.”
Driving for car owner and former Snowball Derby champion Ronnie Sanders helps to simplify things for Finch.
“He’s a lot more laid back than people think,” he said of Sanders. “He believes in me and my ability to get the job done every night. He brings a fast racecar, and I bring a fast me.
“If I’m struggling in a race, he’ll come over the radio and calm me down or tell me to get going. It’s a good connection.”
Finch will lean on his own experience and Sanders’, as well, come Friday night. They will stick to their gameplan and focus on Finch’s performance and let the chips fall.
“If I don’t believe in myself, nobody else should—that’s my attitude,” Finch said. “Some people might find it cocky. But in this line of business, you can’t just walk in with your head down and just want to finish race.
“I do this for a living and want to perform at the highest standard. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll take it with humility. I’ll work harder and put myself in good positions to win races.”

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