Jesse Love Dominates Phoenix with Runner-Up Finish After Leading Race-High 114 Laps
AVONDALE, Ariz. (March 7, 2026) — Defending series champion Jesse Love delivered one of the most dominant performances of the night Saturday in the GOVX 200, finishing second after leading a race-high 114 laps at Phoenix Raceway.
Driving the No. 2 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet with Distributor Wire & Cable on board, Love showed speed from the start of the weekend. The California native qualified second and quickly established himself as the driver to beat, pacing the field for more than half the race while setting the fastest lap of the event at 28.27 seconds.
Love’s performance also produced strong stage results, finishing second in Stage 1 and winning Stage 2, collecting valuable stage points that proved critical under the series’ new 2026 championship points format, which places increased emphasis on stage wins and race victories.
Despite controlling much of the race, Love was narrowly edged in the closing laps by Justin Allgaier, who took the lead late and held on for the win.
Love still came away with one of the biggest points days of the weekend, leaving Phoenix second in the championship standings, just three points behind Allgaier as the series heads to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the next round of the championship battle.
A Champion’s Mindset
Following the race, Love was candid about his performance, showing the competitive mindset that helped him capture the championship.
“We had a really strong car tonight and led a lot of laps, but at the end of the day I didn’t quite get the job done,” Love said after the race. “That’s frustrating because when you have a car capable of winning, you want to finish it off. Still, I’m proud of the effort from everyone at Richard Childress Racing and Distributor Wire & Cable. We’ll take the points, learn from it, and come back ready to fight for the win in Vegas.”
While the runner-up finish may have been frustrating for the young champion, the performance demonstrated the speed and consistency that make Love one of the drivers to beat in the 2026 title fight.
About Jesse Love
Jesse Love is one of the rising stars in American motorsports. The California native began racing at a young age and quickly built a reputation as one of the most talented young drivers in the sport. Love captured multiple championships in the ARCA Menards Series West before moving into the national spotlight.
Now competing for Richard Childress Racing, Love continues to build on his impressive resume with wins and championship contention across NASCAR’s national touring series. Known for his determination, professionalism, and relentless pursuit of victory, Love represents the next generation of NASCAR talent.
About Distributor Wire & Cable
Distributor Wire & Cable is a leading U.S. supplier of electrical wire, cable, and value-added services for industrial, aerospace, transportation, and defense applications. With decades of experience serving customers across North America, the company is known for delivering high-quality products, reliable supply chain solutions, and industry-leading customer service.
Distributor Wire & Cable proudly supports motorsports initiatives that reflect its commitment to performance, precision, and teamwork.

