Jesse Love, the 2025 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion, is set to make the jump to the NASCAR Cup Series full‑time in 2027, taking the wheel of the No. 21 Ford Mustang for Wood Brothers Racing.
A new era for Wood Brothers Racing
The announcement comes as the storied organization, known for its century‑long presence in the sport, confirmed that Love will replace Josh Berry, who will not return after the 2026 season.
Love currently competes in the ARCA Menards Series, where he drives the No. 2 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing and sits second in the championship standings after a season that also earned him Rookie of the Year honors in 2024.
His résumé includes multiple ARCA titles, 50 top‑10 finishes in 83 starts, and a best Cup Series finish of 24th at Indianapolis Motor Speedway from seven career starts.
Jon Wood, president of Wood Brothers Racing, praised Love’s achievements, stating that his blend of discipline and speed aligns perfectly with the team’s tradition of excellence.
Wood Brothers Racing, the longest‑running active team in NASCAR with 101 Cup victories, has fielded legends such as David Pearson, Cale Yarborough, Neil Bonnett and A.J. Foyt, and now looks to add another chapter with Love.
The team operates under a technical alliance with Team Penske and benefits from the engineering support of Ford Racing, a partnership that has helped shape its competitive edge.
While Love’s Cup experience remains limited, his consistent performance in the developmental series and strong statistical profile suggest he could become a surprise contender as he adapts to the premier division.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the 2027 season unfolds for a driver poised to blend heritage with new ambition.