KINGSPORT, TN :: Chad Finchum scored his first career NASCAR Whelen All American Series win on Saturday at Kingsport Speedway. Finchum drove to the lead from the 10th starting position in the 60 lap season opener at the Concrete Jungle.
Finchum was able to avoid multiple crashes in his drive to the front. He got the lead with five laps to go and never looked back en route to victory.
“We came here Thursday and Friday and practiced some today and struggled with brakes,” said Finchum. “We struggled with the setup. It paid off. The crew worked hard. I couldn’t have done better. This Texas Roadhouse Chevy was up front and digging. We started 10th, but all weekend long, we were faster on older tires. I knew to be patient and, with five to go, I had my shot and we stuck it in there and I got it. This car’s first ever win.”
Finchum began making moves through the field between being able to dodge some wrecks and choosing the right line to go with on the cone restarts. Two of the main competitors were sidelined in the race. One of Finchum’s main competitors was sidelined with mechanical gremlins while another was involved in a wreck.
Once he got within striking distance, he followed Hayden Woods around Blake Jones and then challenged Woods for 15 laps before taking the lead.
“Choosing that cone is difficult. We’ve done it some at Martinsville but this track is so short, it’s so critical you choose right. The car was tight starting out so we chose the outside. We weren’t making a lot of progress so we went down to the bottom when the tires got hot and everything started coming to me. It was perfect opportunities. We worked hard and raced clean. We’ll see if we can get another one.”
Finchum will be competing in the full season at Kingsport Speedway as well as some other tracks hoping to compete for the NASCAR Whelen All American Series National Championship. Finchum starts that quest for the National Championship with a win.
“This is a good start,” said Finchum. “I hope we can continue it. I want a good solid season and that’s what we’re looking for.”
Since the field included more than 20 cars, Finchum’s win will count for points in the NASCAR Whelen All American Series National Championship standings.
Finchum’s next race will be on March15th at Kingsport Speedway.
Finchum is supported by Embassy Suites, A-1 Finchum Heating and Cooling, Texas Roadhouse, Food City, Creek Side Grill and Finchum Paint & Body . For more information on Finchum’s racing career check out his website at www.ChadFinchum.com and follow him on twitter @chadfinchum.
