Jake Finch, son of team owner James Finch, is ready to make his Xfinity Series debut on Saturday at Dover Motor Speedway. The 20-year-old driver will compete in the BetRivers 200, driving the No. 17 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, marking a significant step in his racing career.
Finch’s Racing Background and Performance
Hailing from Lynn Haven, Florida, Finch has built experience through Late Model and Super Late Model racing before advancing to ARCA competition. Over 37 combined starts across the ARCA National, East, and West series, he has earned two wins, 11 top-five finishes, and 28 top-10s. Notably, his 2023 ARCA East victory occurred on the same Dover one-mile track where he will debut in Xfinity.
BetRivers 200 Odds Highlight Justin Allgaier as Favorite
Sportsbook odds from FanDuel place Finch as a long shot with +8500 odds to win the BetRivers 200. Leading the betting favorites, points leader Justin Allgaier holds the top position at +270, followed by Cup Series driver Ross Chastain at +360. These odds reflect the anticipation and competitive outlook for the race.
Recent Success and Momentum
Just before the upcoming Xfinity race, Finch secured a victory at Phoenix Racing in an Outlaw Stock event, underlining his growing momentum. This recent win adds to expectations for a promising debut in NASCAR’s highly competitive Xfinity Series.
Implications for NASCAR and Finch’s Future
Finch’s entry into the Xfinity Series offers a fresh prospect to the circuit, while Justin Allgaier’s status as the betting favorite highlights the continued strength of experienced contenders. Saturday’s BetRivers 200 at Dover Motor Speedway will be a key moment to watch as Finch begins his journey on this prominent stage, potentially shaping his role in NASCAR’s evolving landscape.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Justin Allgaier married?
A. He is married to Ashley, and they have two daughters named Harper and Willow. Allgaier’s nickname, “Little Gator,” is a playful reference to his last name and his father, who is called “Gator.”
Q. Did Justin Allgaier make the 500?
A. Justin Allgaier, the Xfinity Series champion last year with Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s team, earned a spot in the Daytona 500. He secured his place through his performance in the Duel at Daytona race. Since the No. 40 Chevrolet isn’t chartered, it wasn’t guaranteed in the lineup.
Q. Why did Justin Allgaier get 0 points?
A. Allgaier, a full-time driver in the Xfinity Series, cannot earn points in the Cup Series. He can only gain points driving the No. 7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet in the Xfinity Series. As a result, he received zero points in the Daytona 500 instead of the 30 points he might have otherwise earned.