JESSE LOVE DOMINATES PHOENIX, IN THRILLING FINISH TO TAKE CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD

October 18, 2026

Defending Champion Sweeps Both Stages, Leads 156 Laps and Takes 36-Point Advantage Into Final Three Races

AVONDALE, Ariz. (October 18, 2026) — Jesse Love delivered one of his most impressive performances of the 2026 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series season Saturday night at Phoenix Raceway, dominating the Timberland PRO 200 before holding off a determined Sam Mayer in a thrilling finish to capture his second victory of the season and take over the championship points lead.

Driving the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, Love started from the pole, swept both stages, and led 156 of the 200 laps. What looked like a commanding victory turned into a dramatic showdown over the closing laps, with Mayer relentlessly pursuing Love before coming up just 0.128 seconds short at the checkered flag.

The victory marked Love's fifth career series win and strengthened his bid to become a back-to-back NASCAR champion.

"I would say it's a day we prepared for, not just dreamed of," Love said in remarks reported by NASCAR Wire Service.

Dominance Meets Determination

From the opening green flag, Love established himself as the driver to beat on Phoenix Raceway's challenging one-mile oval. His No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet showed exceptional speed and balance all evening, letting him control much of the race while collecting valuable stage points.

But the final 35-lap green-flag run tested Love's ability to perform under pressure.

Mayer, who had started deep in the field after an engine change, steadily worked his way into contention and mounted a serious challenge for the lead. As the laps wound down, Mayer closed the gap and eventually reached Love's rear bumper exiting the final corner.

Love stayed calm and held his preferred line, carrying just enough momentum across the finish line to win.

Championship Picture Takes a Dramatic Turn

Love entered Phoenix trailing championship leader Sheldon Creed by just two points. His victory and stage sweep, combined with a difficult night for several championship contenders, dramatically reshaped the standings.

With three races remaining, Love now leads Justin Allgaier by 36 points, while Corey Day sits just three points behind Allgaier. Creed, who suffered an ignition-related issue and finished 32nd, dropped to fourth, 59 points behind Love.

The result gives Love two victories, 11 top-five finishes and 17 top-10 finishes through 30 starts this season.

Phoenix Raceway also holds special significance for Love. He clinched the championship there in November 2025, and Saturday night's return to Victory Lane added another memorable chapter to his young NASCAR career.

Eyes on the Championship

With the points lead secured, Love and the Richard Childress Racing team now turn their attention to Talladega Superspeedway, where superspeedway racing's unpredictability could play a significant role in the championship battle.

The series competes in The Progress Group 250 on Saturday, October 24, at 3:30 p.m. ET, with television coverage on The CW.

Martinsville Speedway follows on October 31 before the season concludes November 7 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

For Love, the focus remains on maintaining the momentum that has positioned the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet team at the top of the standings as the championship fight enters its final stretch.

About Jesse Love

Jesse Love is a professional NASCAR driver competing full-time in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series for Richard Childress Racing, driving the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet. A native of Menlo Park, California, Love is a two-time ARCA Menards Series West champion, the 2023 ARCA Menards Series champion, and the defending 2025 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series champion. Recognized as one of NASCAR's rising young talents, Love continues to establish himself through his on-track accomplishments, competitive determination, and commitment to excellence.

For More Information: https://jesseloveracing.com/

About Whelen Engineering

Founded in 1952, Whelen Engineering is a leading American manufacturer of emergency warning and lighting equipment serving law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services and other public safety professionals. Headquartered in Chester, Connecticut, Whelen is recognized for its commitment to innovation, reliability and American manufacturing. A longtime supporter of motorsports, Whelen continues its partnership with Richard Childress Racing and Jesse Love in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series.

About the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series

The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series is one of NASCAR's three national touring series and serves as a proving ground for emerging drivers and established competitors. Featuring a diverse schedule of superspeedways, short tracks, intermediate ovals and road courses, the series provides highly competitive racing while developing talent for NASCAR's premier level. O'Reilly Auto Parts became the series' entitlement sponsor beginning with the 2026 season.