Monticello — James Finch is a hero to all the fans who root for the underdog in

racing.

I imagine Finch felt like giving up many times.

"I would race a while, work a while, build up some more money and then

come back and race," said Finch. "Some people try and do it the other

way-and bam-in a year or so, they have to fold up or whatever because it's

really, really expensive to do this."

As an independent race team owner, he had been trying to win a NASCAR

Cup race since 1990. His record going into the 2009 season was 105 tries

with zero wins. His best finishes were two top-fives; one with Geoffrey

Bodine in 2002 and Mike Wallace in 2007

All of us have one particular chunk of life we wish we could go back and

live all over again. The one time that will forever stand out with Finch was

his win in the Aaron's 499 at Talladega, with young Brad Keselowski at the

wheel of his No. 1 Chevrolet.

Before the Aaron's 499 most racing fans outside Florida, or southern

short tracks had never heard of James Finch, or his Phoenix Racing team.

Born in Panama City, Fla., his love for racing never swayed him from

leaving his Florida home. He built his race shop in nearby Lynn Haven and

has been there ever since. In 2000, Phoenix Racing and Yellow Freight joined

forces and since then their teamwork has provided great results.

Instead of dress slacks and sponsor adorned team shirts Finch opts for a

more laid back look; cowboy boots, untucked shirts and work jeans. Polished

and flashy is not in his make-up. Instead Finch chooses to be a blue collar

guy with a blue collar work ethic. Everything about him says, "working guy."

Finch dedicated the Talladega win to another great driver in NASCAR that

was to make his comeback driving for Finch in 1994. It was Neil Bonnett. He

was to debut the No. 51 Chevy at Speedweeks. Bonnett lost his life in a

crash after hitting the outside wall during the first practice session.

Finch is hoping for more wins. "I would like to get some more Busch

Grand National wins and I hope to run both Daytona and Talladega Cup races.

Those two tracks are very close to my home, so they are personal to me,"

said Finch.

Next Week: What is Happening to Dale Jr.



Weekend Racing: Friday, May 15, the Camping World Trucks will be at the

1.5-mile Kansas Speedway. It will be televised on Speed, beginning at 7:30

p.m. (EDT).

The 2009 edition of the Sprint All-Star Race will be run Saturday, May

16 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. There will be a total of 100 laps on the

1.5-mile tri-oval. There will be four segments ­ with a 50-lap first

segment, two 20-lap segments and one 10-lap shootout to the finish line. It

will be televised on Speed beginning at 7 p.m. (EDT).

The Nationwide teams have an off week.



Racing Trivia Question: How many Cup wins does Rick Mears, driver of the

07 Chevrolet have?

Last Week's Question: After a brief absence Sterling Marlin is back in

Cup racing. Which team does he drive for? Answer: He is driving part time in

the 09 Phoenix Racing Dodge.

You may contact the Racing Reporter at: hodgesnews@earthlink.net.