Jesse Love, the 21‑year‑old defending champion of the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, is set to leave Richard Childress Racing and join Wood Brothers Racing for the 2027 season, marking a pivotal shift in his young career.
A Legacy of Excellence
Love first burst onto the national stage by becoming the youngest ever champion in the ARCA Menards Series at just 16, a feat he followed with a dominant 2025 campaign that saw him win half of the 20 races and secure the series title ahead of his close rival Connor Zilisch.
The 2024 season also marked his rookie year in the Xfinity Series, where he quickly adapted to the higher‑speed stock cars, and he entered the 2025 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series with a reputation as a relentless competitor, finishing second in the standings to series leader Justin Allgaier at the Naval Base Coronado event.
Wood Brothers Racing President Jon Wood praised Love’s blend of talent and temperament, noting that his track record of teamwork and determination aligns perfectly with the team’s long‑standing emphasis on collaboration and performance.
The organization, NASCAR’s longest‑running active team, recently celebrated surpassing the 100‑win milestone in the premier series, a milestone underscored by its technical alliance with Team Penske and ongoing support from Ford Racing, positioning the squad to contend for victories alongside Love.
Expressing gratitude for the support he has received throughout his career, Love highlighted the importance of collective effort, stating that his next chapter will be defined by shared goals and the pursuit of excellence with his new partners.