Chad Finchum Wins First Late Model Race in Second Start at Newport Speedway

Chad Finchum headed to Newport Speedway (TN), a few days after turning 16 years old, to race in the Limited Sportsman division 40-lap feature on Saturday, September 25th.  In just his second start in a Late Model, Finchum drove his #19 Brickyard Bar-b-Que machine to victory lane at his home track, claiming his first-ever win in a full-sized race car.

The Chad Finchum Racing team headed to Newport looking to improve on his third-place finish the week before.  In practice on Friday and Saturday, Finchum’s team used their years of racing knowledge to tweak on the car, getting it ready for racing.

“When we unloaded the car, it was a bit tight in practice Friday,” said Finchum.  “We adjusted on the car and it was pretty good at the end of the night.  In the first round of practice on Saturday, the car was amazing, and we were looking forward to qualifying.”

After timing in second fast, Finchum started from the fourth position due to a divisional redraw.  Avoiding a wreck in the first half if the race, the 16-year-old racer moved his way to the lead and on to victory lane.

“We got going and settled into the fourth position to get our rhythm,” explained Finchum.  “A couple cars spun in front of me, so I had to avoid them, which put me in second.  About lap 30, I was following the leader and got around him, and then a caution came out because he spun.  We doubled back up and went back to green.  I drove it to the checkered flag from there.  We didn’t beat them by a lot, but we got the win.”

With multiple Legends Car and Bandolero victories and championships to his credit over the past few seasons, Finchum isn’t a stranger to victory lane.  However, this one, in just his second Late Model start, meant a lot to the young racer.

“I have been racing since I was six years old.  I have had wins in many types of cars since then, but this one was big since it was the second time I was in a Late Model.  I have raced at Newport before, but not in a Late Model prior to the last two weekends.  It felt really good to win at our home track, especially on my birthday weekend.

“I have to thank Brickyard Bar-b-Que and all my sponsors as well as my team, my family and fans for all their support.  I might have been behind the wheel, but this was a team effort, and I want to thank everyone for getting me to victory lane.”

Chad Finchum will be back behind the wheel of his #19 Brickyard Bar-b-Que Late Model in the Limited Sportsman division feature at Newport Speedway on Saturday, October 2nd.