Jake Finch Dominates Cordele Spring Nationals to Secure Third Pro Late Model Victory of 2024

Jake Finch captures the Pro Late Model Spring Nationals win at Cordele Motor Speedway, marking his third major victory of the young 2024 racing season.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 30, 2026, 8:43 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Late Model News

A Mid-Race Surge for the Lead

The 75-lap feature at Cordele Motor Speedway served as another showcase for the technical synergy between Jake Finch and the Ronnie Sanders Racing No. 18 team. Although Finch battled "dirty air" and concerns over his gear ratio during the opening stages, he remained within striking distance of the leaders. The turning point occurred just before the 50-lap mark, when Finch executed a decisive pass on Cody Martell. Once in clean air, Finch was able to manage his pace and extend his lead, successfully navigating the final third of the contest to claim the checkered flag.

Momentum Shifts Toward National Recognition

Finch’s victory comes during a week of significant professional milestones off the track. Earlier in the week, it was announced that Finch would join JR Motorsports for a five-race stint in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, piloting the organization's flagship No. 9 Chevrolet. Finch noted in victory lane that his recent string of successes has provided a massive confidence boost heading into his tenure with Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s team. He attributed his "hot start" to consistent execution rather than any fundamental change in his racing approach.

Cody Martell Battles Handling Issues for Runner-Up Spot

Cody Martell, who led significant portions of the early race, ultimately had to settle for a second-place finish. Martell reported that his car became increasingly "tight" on the bottom of the track during the closing laps, preventing him from getting back to the throttle effectively without washing up into the outside lane. Despite the handling struggles, Martell expressed relief at the podium finish, noting that the clean run was a necessary reset after a series of difficult outings in previous weeks.