Jesse Love is set to step into the No. 21 car for Wood Brothers Racing in the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series, marking his first full‑time campaign at the sport’s highest level. The move comes after a series of promising performances in the lower tiers and a multi‑year stint with Richard Childress Racing.
A New Chapter for a storied organization
Love will replace Josh Berry, who has spent the past two seasons piloting the same car but has struggled to find consistency as Ford’s performance dipped in recent years. The team sees Love’s arrival as a long‑term opportunity to revitalize the program and align with Ford’s renewed focus on the Cup Series.
Ford’s new 2027 chassis, designed to address the aerodynamic and power‑train challenges that have hampered the brand, will be the platform on which Love attempts to prove himself. The partnership also places Love directly in the orbit of a competitive rookie class, where he will contend with Corey Heim for the Rookie of the Year award.
Having cut his teeth in the Xfinity Series and earned respect in the Truck Series, Love brings a blend of experience and youthful aggression to the Cup grid. His transition from Richard Childress Racing to Wood Brothers Racing reflects a strategic shift toward a team with deep American roots and a commitment to developing talent.
The move is being framed as more than a short‑term fix; team executives view Love as a cornerstone for future success, potentially positioning the No. 21 car as a contender for race wins and championships in the coming years.