Player Management International Media Release
Spartanburg, SC (October 6, 2008) – Twenty years ago in Charlotte, James Finch watched while Jeff Purvis strapped himself into the #49 Buick after qualifying 14th for what would be Phoenix Racing’s first venture into the NASCAR arena. After running only 21 laps, the engine failed and, consequently, Purvis was forced to load the car in the trailer and watch the remainder of the race on television.
Despite the setback in his debut appearance, James Finch continued on and has become one of the longest running, well-known team owners in NASCAR. A fierce competitor with a candid personality, Finch is now approaching a significant milestone in his 20-years as a NASCAR team owner.
On October 10, 2008, Finch will watch Mike Bliss strap into the #1 Miccosukee Chevrolet for what will be Finch’s 500th start as a car owner. Bliss, currently 4th in the driver point standings, hopes to deliver a victory for Phoenix Racing and the lineage of people who have played a role in the team over the last 20-years.
“It’s an honor to be driving for James and Miccosukee in his 500th start as a team owner,” Bliss said. “James has contributed a lot to this sport and it would be nice to celebrate this momentous occasion with a trip to Victory Lane.”
Finch’s admiration for racing began as a young boy and has prospered into a large operation on racing’s biggest stage. He has experienced great success, with over 350 dirt track wins and eleven NASCAR Nationwide Series victories. Additionally, his teams have recorded twelve poles, and 25% of the time they have found themselves in the Top 10 when the checkered flag was displayed.
A pure racer, Finch grew up racing motorcycles, and even ran a few dirt track races in late-model stock cars. His passion for the sport he loves has translated into success on the race track more times than not, and has allowed him to reach Victory Lane in nearly everything with which he has been associated.
At Homestead this year, Phoenix Racing will also celebrate their 100th start in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Fittingly, Homestead is home to Finch’s long time partner Miccosukee Resorts.
A success story that began at 11 years of age when he met a guy with a race car at the service station where he was working, Finch’s enthusiasm for racing has evolved into a passion that has spanned 20-years, and has allowed him to experience success at the sport’s highest level of competition.