DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Jesse Love and the No. 2 Richard Childress Racing team battled through early adversity Friday night at Daytona International Speedway, overcoming an overheating issue to finish 20th in the Winn-Dixie 250 Powered by Coca-Cola and close out the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series regular season.

With Daytona behind him, the defending series champion now turns his full attention toward the Chase and the opportunity to defend his 2025 championship.

Starting third in the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet, Love immediately showed the speed that has made him a consistent threat at NASCAR’s drafting tracks. He worked his way to the front of the field and led three laps during the opening stage before an unexpected problem dramatically changed the direction of his race.

A piece of debris became lodged on the front grille of Love’s Chevrolet, restricting airflow and causing engine temperatures to climb.

Love made multiple attempts to use the changing airflow in the draft to dislodge the debris, but it remained stuck. With temperatures continuing to rise, the No. 2 team had little choice but to bring Love to pit road under green to remove it and protect the engine.

The unscheduled stop dropped Love from the lead group and resulted in a 35th-place finish in Stage One.

Rather than allowing the setback to define the night, Love and the No. 2 team went to work.

Love steadily fought his way back through the field during Stage Two, putting himself back inside the top 10 and finishing the stage eighth to earn three stage points.

He continued battling for position throughout the final stage as the field shuffled through the closing laps and ultimately brought the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet home in 20th.

While the finishing position wasn't representative of the speed Love showed early in the race, Daytona closed the book on the regular season and opened the door to what matters most next — defending his NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championship.

Love enters the Chase fourth in the standings, 40 points behind regular-season champion Justin Allgaier, setting the stage for a nine-race battle to defend the championship he captured in 2025.

The Chase will place an increased premium on consistency, stage points and maximizing every opportunity as Love and the No. 2 Richard Childress Racing team work to close the gap and put themselves in position to contend for another title.

There is also a significant next chapter waiting for Love beyond this championship pursuit. Love is scheduled to move to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2027, where he will drive the iconic No. 21 for Wood Brothers Racing. The opportunity represents another major step in the young driver's rapidly developing career, but before turning his attention to Sundays, Love has unfinished business in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

Defending his championship remains the priority.

The Chase begins Friday, September 5 at Darlington Raceway, where Love and the No. 2 Richard Childress Racing team will begin their pursuit of a second consecutive NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championship.

ABOUT JESSE LOVE

Jesse Love drives the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. The Menlo Park, California native is the defending series champion and has established himself as one of NASCAR’s premier young talents. A former ARCA Menards Series champion, Love continued his rapid progression through NASCAR by becoming an O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race winner and ultimately capturing the series championship in 2025. Love enters the 2026 Chase fourth in the standings as he pursues his second consecutive championship before advancing to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2027 to drive the No. 21 for Wood Brothers Racing.

ABOUT RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING

Richard Childress Racing is one of the most storied and successful organizations in NASCAR history. Founded in 1969 by NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Richard Childress, the Welcome, North Carolina-based organization has earned more than 200 victories and multiple championships across NASCAR’s national touring series. RCR has built a longstanding tradition of developing championship-caliber drivers and teams while competing at the highest levels of stock-car racing. Jesse Love continues that tradition as the defending NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion behind the wheel of RCR’s No. 2 Chevrolet.

ABOUT WHELEN ENGINEERING

Whelen Engineering is a family-owned company with a pioneering spirit and a passion for protecting the lives of those who protect and serve others. Founded in 1952, Whelen has grown into a global leader in the emergency warning industry, providing innovative safety and warning solutions for first responders and other critical industries. With manufacturing facilities in Connecticut and New Hampshire, Whelen products are proudly designed and manufactured in America. Whelen has also maintained a significant presence in motorsports through its longstanding support of racing organizations, series and competitors, including its partnership with Jesse Love and Richard Childress Racing.

Media Contact:
Rod Wortham
Race Face Brand Development