Mike Finnegan is a well-known name in the automotive and entertainment industries, widely recognized for his work on the MotorTrend TV show Roadkill. As a television host, car builder, and YouTube personality, Mike has made a significant impact by combining his love for vehicles with his talent for entertaining audiences. Alongside co-host David Freiburger, Mike showcases the thrill of car restoration, modifying old cars, and making them roadworthy again, often with wild and unexpected results. This article delves into the life and career of Mike Finnegan, offering insights into his background, achievements, and personal life.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 27, 1978, in the United States, Mike Finnegan has been passionate about cars from an early age. Growing up in the era of popular automotive TV shows and movies, he was deeply influenced by the car culture of the 1980s and 1990s. His early exposure to cars and the mechanical world set the stage for what would later become a dynamic career.
Mike attended Orange Coast College, earning an Associate of Arts degree. Although his formal education in the arts may seem like an unusual choice for a car enthusiast, it helped Mike develop creative thinking and problem-solving skills—traits that have proven invaluable in his work on Roadkill and other ventures. Although his academic background wasn’t specifically in automotive engineering, his hands-on experience and passion for learning about cars have helped him excel in the automotive world.
Career Beginnings
Before becoming a household name in the automotive entertainment industry, Mike Finnegan started his career writing for various automotive magazines. He contributed to publications such as Truckin’ Magazine and Mini Truckin’, where he wrote extensively about car culture, customization, and performance upgrades. His writing career helped him establish a network of connections within the automotive industry and built his credibility as an expert on car modifications.
During his early years, Mike also worked in Laguna Hills, California, where he gained practical experience by installing parts such as alarms and stereos in vehicles. His hands-on work with car electronics and modifications gave him a solid foundation that he would later apply to larger and more ambitious car builds. While working at various garages, Mike gained invaluable mechanical knowledge, further solidifying his place as a skilled and passionate car enthusiast.
Rise to Fame: Roadkill and Beyond
Mike Finnegan’s big break came in 2012 when he joined Roadkill, a popular automotive show on MotorTrend TV. The show follows Mike and his co-host, David Freiburger, who tackle challenging automotive projects, often taking on old, broken-down cars and transforming them into high-performance vehicles. The unique premise of Roadkill is that the builds are often done on a budget and in unconventional settings—sometimes even on the side of the road. This raw, DIY approach to car restoration resonated with viewers, turning Roadkill into one of television’s most beloved automotive shows.
In addition to Roadkill, Mike has appeared in other shows like Hot Rod Garage and Faster with Finnegan. In Hot Rod Garage, Mike teamed up with other hosts to explore hot rod culture, taking on new challenges and sharing tips on building and restoring hot rods. His most recent show, Faster with Finnegan, launched in 2020 and focuses on making ordinary cars faster and more powerful through modifications. This series further showcases Mike’s expertise and creativity in the automotive world.
YouTube Success: Finnegan’s Garage
Along with his success on television, Mike Finnegan has also built a large following on YouTube. His channel, Finnegan’s Garage, was launched in 2016, and it features a range of content, including in-depth car builds, behind-the-scenes looks at his projects, and personal insights into his work. As of 2024, the channel boasts over 900k subscribers, a testament to Mike’s widespread appeal and influence.
Mike’s YouTube channel stands out for its authenticity and hands-on approach. He regularly shares the ups and downs of working on car projects, offering viewers a realistic look at the challenges of custom car building. Whether it’s engine swaps, fabrication work, or simple tune-ups, Finnegan’s Garage covers many automotive topics, making it a go-to resource for car enthusiasts.
Personal Life
While Mike Finnegan is well-known in the public eye for his work on TV and YouTube, he tends to keep his personal life relatively private. He is married to Jessa Finnegan, and the couple has been together for over a decade. Mike and Jessa share two sons, and the family appears to enjoy a close-knit and loving relationship.
Mike has occasionally shared glimpses of his personal life on social media, including a heartfelt post in 2020 celebrating 15 years of marriage. Despite his busy career, Mike prioritizes spending time with his family and balances his professional commitments with his responsibilities as a husband and father.
Mike Finnegan’s Automotive Philosophy
One thing that sets Mike Finnegan apart is his approach to cars. He’s not just a mechanic or a builder—he’s an enthusiast who genuinely loves his work. Whether working on a high-performance hot rod or resurrecting a beat-up classic from the junkyard, Mike brings an infectious enthusiasm to every project. This passion makes him relatable to so many of his fans, both on TV and on his YouTube channel.
Mike’s automotive philosophy is built around creativity, resourcefulness, and fun. He often emphasizes the importance of enjoying the process rather than focusing solely on the outcome. This laid-back, fun-loving approach has endeared him to fans, who appreciate that Roadkill and Finnegan’s Garage are as much about the journey as they are about the destination.
Net Worth
Mike Finnegan has built a successful career through multiple revenue streams, including television, YouTube, and various automotive-related ventures. While exact figures are difficult to pin down, his net worth is estimated to be between $3 million and $5 million as of 2024. This wealth comes from his TV hosting gigs, advertising revenue from YouTube, merchandise sales, and other automotive-related business activities.
In addition to his earnings from TV shows and YouTube, Mike sells merchandise through his website, offering fans a way to support his work and represent his brand. He’s also a sought-after speaker at automotive events and shows, adding to his income.
FAQs
1. Who is Mike Finnegan?
Mike Finnegan is a television host, car builder, and YouTube personality, best known for co-hosting Roadkill on MotorTrend TV. He’s also the creator of the popular YouTube channel Finnegan’s Garage, where he showcases his passion for car restoration and custom builds.
2. What is Mike Finnegan’s net worth?
As of 2024, Mike Finnegan’s estimated net worth ranges between $3 million and $5 million. His income primarily comes from his work on TV shows like Roadkill, his YouTube channel, and various automotive ventures.
3. What other shows has Mike Finnegan hosted?
In addition to Roadkill, Mike Finnegan has hosted Hot Rod Garage and Faster with Finnegan. These shows focus on car restoration, hot rod culture, and improving vehicle performance through custom modifications.
Conclusion
Mike Finnegan’s journey from a car-loving kid to a TV personality and YouTube star is a testament to his hard work, passion, and dedication to the automotive world. His unique combination of talent, humor, and hands-on expertise has made him a beloved figure in the automotive community. Whether through his work on Roadkill, his YouTube channel, or his personal projects, Mike continues to inspire car enthusiasts worldwide.
As he looks toward the future, Mike Finnegan will undoubtedly continue to be a prominent figure in the automotive and entertainment industries, bringing his unique brand of creativity and enthusiasm to every project he takes on.