Wood Brothers Racing announced a significant lineup change, confirming that Jesse Love will take the wheel of the iconic No. 21 Ford in the 2027 NASCAR season.
A Legacy Reborn
The team, the oldest active organization in NASCAR dating back to 1950, has a storied history of 101 victories with legends such as David Pearson, Cale Yarborough and Neil Bonnett, a legacy that adds weight to the new driver’s challenge.
Love arrives after capturing the 2025 O'Reilly Auto Parts Series championship and adding an ARCA title from 2023 to his résumé, a season in which he posted three race wins and 50 top‑10 finishes across the last three years.
His résumé also includes seven Cup Series starts with Richard Childress Racing and Beard Motorsports, the highlight being a 24th‑place finish at Indianapolis, a track that will test his abilities in the upcoming schedule.
A Strategic Replacement
Josh Berry, who is 35 years old, had a breakout season with Wood Brothers Racing, winning a race and securing a playoff berth in his debut year, making his departure a strategic move to reshape the roster.
Love expressed gratitude to Wood Brothers Racing, Team Penske and Ford Racing for the opportunity, emphasizing his excitement to compete at the highest level and to honor the lineage of drivers who have worn the No. 21.
The partnership with Team Penske and Ford Racing is expected to provide technical resources and engineering support that could accelerate Love’s adaptation to the Cup Series, while the team looks to extend its historic winning tradition into a new era.
Fans can anticipate a fresh dynamic on the track as Love brings a blend of championship experience and youthful vigor, and the 2027 season promises to be a pivotal chapter for a franchise that has been a cornerstone of American motorsport for more than seven decades.