Jesse Love, the 21‑year‑old prodigy who has been climbing the NASCAR ladder at breakneck speed, is set to take the wheel of the storied No. 21 Ford for Wood Brothers Racing when the 2027 Cup Series season gets underway.
Love’s résumé reads like a rapid ascent: after dominating the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series and delivering seven Cup Series starts for Richard Childress Racing, he captured back‑to‑back ARCA Menards Series West titles and added the national ARCA championship in 2023.
In 2024 he stepped up to a full‑time role with Richard Childress Racing, earned Rookie of the Year honors, and capped the year by winning the series championship in 2025, a feat that left him second in the current standings.
The No. 21 car carries a legacy that stretches back to Hall of Fame drivers such as David Pearson, Cale Yarborough and A.J. Foyt, who together helped the entry amass 101 victories — a benchmark that still defines its prestige.
Speaking about the opportunity, Love said it is a lifelong ambition realized, expressing gratitude to the team and its fans for the trust placed in him.
Wood Brothers Racing President Jon Wood highlighted Love’s blend of talent and work ethic, noting that his proven track record in high‑pressure environments makes him the ideal candidate to carry the historic number forward.
Josh Berry, who has held the seat since 2022, announced that he will not return to Wood Brothers Racing after the 2026 season, paving the way for Love’s transition.
Richard Childress Racing took the occasion to thank Love for his contributions and reaffirmed its commitment to defending the 2026 championship, underscoring the collaborative nature of driver development across teams.
A New Era for the No. 21
Fans and analysts alike are already speculating about how Love’s aggressive style will mesh with the iconic blue‑and‑white livery, and whether the move will revitalize the team’s performance in the upcoming season.
With the 2027 schedule on the horizon, the partnership between Love, Wood Brothers Racing, and sponsor Ford promises a fresh narrative for a team that has long been a pillar of American motorsport.