Love Shows Speed at Rockingham Despite Setbacks, Remains Second in Points
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (April 5, 2026) — Jesse Love delivered another strong performance in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Rockingham Speedway on Saturday, showcasing race-winning speed before a series of setbacks derailed his final result.
Driving the No. 2 Richard Childress Racing Whelen Chevrolet, Love qualified an impressive second and remained a consistent contender throughout the early portion of the race. He recorded a sixth-place finish in Stage One, continuing to demonstrate the speed that has kept him near the top of the championship standings.
Stage Two proved to be the turning point of the race, as it marked the second consecutive week of on-track contact between Rajah Caruth and Love, following an earlier incident at Martinsville Speedway.
At Rockingham, Caruth made contact with the rear of Love’s No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet while attempting to change lanes during a run. The misjudgment in spacing sent Love into the outside wall. While the damage did not require an immediate green-flag pit stop, it created issues that continued to affect the car’s performance throughout the remainder of the race.
Despite the setback, the No. 2 team adjusted its strategy, focusing on tire conservation to position
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (April 5, 2026) — Jesse Love delivered another strong performance in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Rockingham Speedway on Saturday, showcasing race-winning speed before a series of setbacks derailed his final result.
Driving the No. 2 Richard Childress Racing Whelen Chevrolet, Love qualified an impressive second and remained a consistent contender throughout the early portion of the race. He recorded a sixth-place finish in Stage One, continuing to demonstrate the speed that has kept him near the top of the championship standings.
Stage Two proved to be the turning point of the race, as it marked the second consecutive week of on-track contact between Rajah Caruth and Love, following an earlier incident at Martinsville Speedway.
At Rockingham, Caruth made contact with the rear of Love’s No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet while attempting to change lanes during a run. The misjudgment in spacing sent Love into the outside wall. While the damage did not require an immediate green-flag pit stop, it created issues that continued to affect the car’s performance throughout the remainder of the race.
Despite the setback, the No. 2 team adjusted strategy and focused on tire conservation to position themselves for a late-race opportunity. That strategy briefly paid off, as Love cycled to the lead and started the final stage from the pole. Running on older tires, he fought to maintain track position and remained inside the top ten before another setback struck.
A loose wheel forced a green-flag pit stop for repairs, costing multiple laps and ultimately ending any hopes of a strong finish.
Love was credited with a 27th-place result, a finish that does not reflect the speed shown by the No. 2 team throughout the event.
“Obviously not the day we wanted,” Love said post-race. “We had a really fast car — definitely capable of contending for the win. Proud of the effort from everyone at RCR. We’ll clean up the mistakes and come back stronger next week.”
Despite the adversity, Love remains second in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championship standings heading into the next event.
Up Next: The series heads to Bristol Motor Speedway, a track that has historically suited Love’s aggressive driving style and one where he looks to rebound and continue his championship push.
About Jesse Love
Jesse Love is a rising star in NASCAR and the defending NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion. Driving the No. 2 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, Love has quickly established himself as one of the sport’s top young talents, known for his racecraft, consistency, and ability to compete for wins at every level.
About Richard Childress Racing
Richard Childress Racing is one of NASCAR’s most storied organizations, founded by NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Childress. With championships and victories across NASCAR’s top series, RCR continues to be a leader in driver development and on-track performance.
About Whelen Engineering
Whelen Engineering Company is a global leader in emergency warning equipment, providing high-quality lighting and safety solutions for first responders, law enforcement, and commercial industries. Whelen has a long-standing presence in motorsports, supporting teams and drivers across NASCAR while promoting safety and innovation.
Great American Road Rally (GARR)
In addition to his NASCAR schedule, Love will take part in the Great American Road Rally, a nine-leg cross-country event raising awareness for multiple charitable organizations, including the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. The rally begins in Chicago on April 30 and travels across the country before concluding in Las Vegas on May 7.
Love will pilot the FOJ Chevrolet during the Tulsa to Oklahoma City leg on May 3, helping bring awareness to children battling pediatric cancer through the Racing for a Cause initiative.
The Great American Road Rally will air as a 12-episode series on The CW Network beginning May 13, with the final leg from Las Vegas to Santa Monica airing live July 21–22.
Join Jesse Love in making a difference during the Great American Road Rally by supporting the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. Every donation helps bring hope, strength, and unforgettable experiences to children battling pediatric cancer. Scan the QR code below or click the link to donate and be part of something bigger than racing—changing lives one mile at a time. Donation/Pledge Link: https://bit.ly/4txW1Ms
