Richard Childress Racing Driver Overcomes Pit Road Penalty to Maintain Championship Momentum

LAS VEGAS, NV — Jesse Love showed the determination of a defending champion Saturday in The LiUNA 200 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, rallying back through the field to finish sixth in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series event.

Driving the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, Love qualified seventh and quickly established himself among the race leaders. The young California driver collected valuable championship points early in the race, finishing sixth in Stage One and improving to fourth in Stage Two.

Love’s race took an unexpected turn during a mid-race pit stop when a safety violation forced the team to restart from the back of the field. During the stop, crew chief Danny Stockman briefly went over the wall while attempting to secure a tire, triggering the NASCAR penalty.

Love keyed the radio asking what had happened, and Stockman’s colorful response summed up the chaotic moment on pit road. Love quickly replied with what may have been one of the most relatable radio exchanges of the season.

“Sorry I asked.”

The lighthearted moment reflected the strong chemistry between driver and crew chief — the type of trust and communication that helps championship-caliber teams stay focused when adversity strikes.

Despite the setback, Love and the Richard Childress Racing team regrouped and methodically worked their way back through the field during the closing laps, bringing the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet home with a solid sixth-place finish.

“Overall it was a solid day for our Whelen Chevrolet,” Love said after the race. “We had good speed and were able to get some valuable stage points early. The pit road issue set us back, but everyone stayed focused and we were able to fight our way back through the field. I’m proud of the effort from this entire Richard Childress Racing team.”

The strong finish keeps Love firmly in the championship conversation as he currently sits second in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series standings.

Love and the No. 2 team now shift their focus to Darlington Raceway, one of the most historic and demanding tracks on the NASCAR schedule. As the season continues, Love and Richard Childress Racing remain focused on building the consistency needed to repeat their championship success from the 2025 season.

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About Jesse Love

Jesse Love is one of the rising stars in American motorsports. A native of Menlo Park, California, Love built an impressive resume in grassroots and developmental racing before advancing to NASCAR’s national series. Known for his aggressive driving style and racecraft beyond his years, Love quickly established himself as a front-running competitor. Driving the No. 2 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, Love continues to pursue victories and championships while representing some of the most recognizable partners in motorsports.

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About Richard Childress Racing

Richard Childress Racing (RCR) is one of the most successful and iconic organizations in NASCAR history. Founded by NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Childress, the team has won multiple NASCAR championships and more than 200 victories across NASCAR’s national touring series. Headquartered in Welcome, North Carolina, RCR continues to compete at the highest level of the sport while developing the next generation of NASCAR stars.

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About Whelen Engineering

Whelen Engineering is a global leader in emergency warning and lighting technology. Founded in 1952 and headquartered in Chester, Connecticut, Whelen designs and manufactures high-quality lighting and safety systems used by first responders around the world. Through its long-standing partnership with Richard Childress Racing, Whelen proudly supports NASCAR while honoring the dedication of emergency service professionals.

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