JOLIET, Ill. (July 5, 2026) — Jesse Love continued his pursuit of a second consecutive NASCAR Xfinity Series championship Saturday night with an impressive third-place finish in the Cuervo 300 at Chicagoland Speedway, trimming valuable points from championship leader Justin Allgaier heading into next weekend's race at EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta.

After heavy rain washed out qualifying, the starting lineup was set by the NASCAR rulebook. Love wasted little time proving he had one of the fastest cars in the field.

The driver of the No. 2 Whelen Engineering Chevrolet showed championship-caliber speed throughout the weekend, posting the fastest lap in practice before backing it up under the lights in one of the latest race starts of the season. Following a lengthy weather delay, the green flag didn't wave until approximately 10:00 p.m. ET, but Love and the Richard Childress Racing team never lost their edge.

Love delivered a nearly flawless performance, finishing second in Stage 1, second again in Stage 2, and bringing home a third-place finish after 200 hard-fought laps around the 1.5-mile oval. The strong stage finishes produced one of his best points days of the season while allowing him to gain ground on Allgaier in the championship standings.

With the result, Love remains second in the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship standings as the series heads to EchoPark Speedway in Hampton, Georgia, on Saturday, July 11.

"We had a really fast race car from the time we unloaded," Love said. "The guys at Richard Childress Racing gave me everything I needed to compete for the win. We would've loved to leave with the trophy, but a night like this puts us in a better position in the championship, and that's important with the playoffs getting closer." Only four races remain before "THE CHASE" starts at Darlington Raceway on Sept. 5th.

The defending NASCAR Xfinity Series champion has once again established himself as one of the title favorites in 2026. Week after week, Love and the No. 2 team continue to showcase the consistency, speed, and execution necessary to compete for another championship.

About Jesse Love

Jesse Love is the defending NASCAR Xfinity Series champion and one of the sport's brightest young stars. The Menlo Park, California, native has quickly built a reputation as one of NASCAR's elite talents after winning championships at multiple levels of motorsports. Driving the No. 2 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, Love continues to battle for victories while pursuing back-to-back NASCAR Xfinity Series championships.

About Richard Childress Racing

Richard Childress Racing (RCR) is one of NASCAR's premier organizations, with a championship legacy spanning more than five decades. Founded by NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Childress, RCR has earned numerous championships and hundreds of victories across NASCAR's national touring series. The organization remains committed to developing championship-caliber drivers while competing at the highest level of the sport.

About Whelen Engineering

Whelen Engineering has been a leader in emergency warning technology for more than 70 years, manufacturing innovative lighting, sirens, and communication systems used by first responders around the world. A longtime supporter of motorsports, Whelen has become one of NASCAR's most recognizable partners while continuing its commitment to safety, innovation, and American manufacturing excellence.

UP NEXT: The NASCAR Xfinity Series now heads to EchoPark Speedway in Hampton, Georgia, on Saturday, July 11, where Love will look to continue closing the gap in the championship standings as the battle for the 2026 title intensifies.

Media Contact:
Rod Wortham
Race Face Brand Development
rod@racefacebd.com