Jake Finch, a driver well-acquainted with Montgomery Motor Speedway, earned his first win in the Alabama 200 on Saturday night, driving for Ronnie Sanders Racing. His victory at the 62nd running of this challenging event added a significant milestone to his career on a track where he has completed more laps than any other.
Strong Performance Backed by Proven Team and Speed
Finch’s triumph followed a season of steady progress alongside Ronnie Sanders Racing, the same team that clinched the Show Me the Money track championship in Montgomery earlier in 2024 and finished second in this race last year. Finch set fast time in qualifying but started third due to an invert, showing confidence in the car’s speed and consistency.
“I felt like we had a really good race car,”
Finch said.
“We showed our speed in qualifying and it was no different during the race. It was just as good of a car, and really, one of the best cars I have ever driven. We just had whatever I needed to get out front. From there, it was just a matter of controlling the pace and controlling the race. I’m just really proud of everyone at Ronnie Sanders Racing and the No. 18 car.”
Sanders Team Continues Legacy of Success
Ronnie Sanders, owner of the team, now marks his fifth Alabama 200 victory, combining two wins as a driver in the 1970s with three more as an owner. These wins came through partnerships with drivers like Casey Roderick and Finch, demonstrating the longevity and strength of Sanders’ involvement in this event.
Race Highlights and Tactical Moves
Finch repeatedly fought his way to the front after losing track position. Following a three-car invert, he took the lead on lap 53, lost it temporarily due to differing tire strategies, and ultimately reclaimed it with 49 laps to go by passing Dylan Fetcho. Competitors Kaden Honeycutt and Luke Yarbrough had chosen not to take tires, hoping for a caution that did not arrive soon enough, while Fetcho opted for an earlier stop.
With eight laps remaining, a caution flag appeared after both defending winner John Bolen and third-place contender Steven Chunn began to slow. The restart saw a crash involving Malcolm Spears, Connor Shelton, and Jim Wall, the latter of whom had a difficult day marked by several incidents despite being the reigning Show Me the Money champion.
Finch Executes Flawless Restarts to Secure Win
Through the closing laps, Finch handled the pressure expertly, managing two restarts and maintaining his lead to claim victory and his first hand-carved bear trophy. While Dylan Fetcho was able to move back into second place after fresh tires, he expressed frustration with his runner-up finish.
I hate running second, Fetcho admitted.
“Overall pretty good. After that pit stop, we were pretty good but ultimately just a little too tight to hold Jake off.”
He also explained the strategic challenge faced by drivers deciding when to pit.
“There were guys who didn’t stop, thinking it was going to rain,”
Fetcho said.
“It really screwed them because they never got tires.”
Notable Competitors and Upcoming Events
Earlier in the contest, John Bolen matched Finch’s raw speed and impressively moved from last to first before mechanical trouble ended his challenge late in the race. Completing the top five were Gage Gilby, Presley Johnson, and Christopher Tullis, rounding out a competitive field.
The Show Me the Money Series is set to continue with its second round, the Spring Explosion 100, scheduled for May 2, promising more high-stakes racing action.
