Torey Fox | NASCAR Digital Media

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (May 9, 2026) — What looked to be a breakthrough victory for Jesse Love turned into one of the toughest finishes of the season Saturday afternoon at Watkins Glen International, as the driver of the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing came within a single corner of victory before being passed on the final turn of the race.

After qualifying was canceled due to weather, the field was set by the NASCAR rulebook, placing Love near the front of the field for the start of the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series event on the historic road course. From the drop of the green flag, Love showed the speed and determination that has made him one of the championship favorites throughout the 2026 season.

Love methodically worked his way through the field during the opening stage, collecting a fourth-place finish in Stage 1 before continuing to battle inside the top five throughout the afternoon. The No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet remained one of the strongest cars on long runs, especially through Watkins Glen’s technical corners and high-speed braking zones.

As the laps wound down, Love found himself in the difficult position of balancing fuel conservation while trying to hold off a charging Connor Zilisch in the closing laps. The pressure mounted as the defending series champion attempted to protect the lead while managing every move behind the wheel.

Entering the final turn, Love made a slight mistake under braking, allowing Zilisch just enough room to complete the pass and steal the victory in dramatic fashion. The heartbreaking finish was especially emotional for Love, who has dedicated significant time over the last year and a half improving his road-course program and viewed Watkins Glen as a major opportunity to showcase that progress.

Following the race, the disappointment was evident as Love reflected on the closing laps and the emotional weight of letting a potential victory slip away.

The finish also added another chapter to the growing rivalry and friendship between Love and Zilisch. The two young stars have battled each other for wins and championships throughout their careers, including a memorable ARCA Menards Series finish at Watkins Glen in 2023 where Love made a similar last-corner move to take the victory from Zilisch. Saturday, however, the roles were reversed.

Despite the devastating finish, the performance continued an impressive stretch of consistency for Love and the No. 2 team. Through 13 starts this season, Love has now recorded nine top-10 finishes and five top-five finishes while remaining third in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championship standings.

While the loss at Watkins Glen will sting for some time, the speed shown throughout the weekend reinforced that Love and Richard Childress Racing remain firmly in the hunt for the 2026 championship battle.

Love and the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet team will now shift their focus to Dover Motor Speedway on May 16th as the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season continues.

About Jesse Love

Jesse Love is one of NASCAR’s brightest young stars and the defending 2025 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Champion. The California native has quickly built a reputation as one of the sport’s most versatile drivers, earning victories and championships throughout every level of his racing career. Driving for Richard Childress Racing, Love continues to establish himself as a future contender at NASCAR’s highest levels.

About Whelen Engineering

Whelen Engineering is a global leader in the emergency warning industry, providing innovative lighting, siren, and communication systems for first responders, aviation, and motorsports industries. Whelen has been a longtime supporter of NASCAR and driver development programs across the country.

About Richard Childress Racing

Richard Childress Racing is one of the most successful and storied organizations in NASCAR history. Founded by NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Childress, RCR has earned championships and victories across NASCAR’s top divisions while developing some of the sport’s biggest stars.