HAMPTON, GA – February 21, 2026 – Defending NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Champion Jesse Love continued his strong start to the 2026 season Saturday night with a hard-fought fifth-place finish in the Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250 at EchoPark Speedway.

Piloting the No. 2 Samsara Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, Love showed speed from the outset of the 163-lap event on Atlanta’s high-speed 1.54-mile quad-oval. He captured the Stage 1 victory, collecting valuable playoff and championship points while demonstrating the pace that made him last year’s series champion.

Throughout the evening, Love maintained track position inside the top ten as the race featured 24 lead changes among contenders. In a dramatic final-lap sequence, contact between the top two drivers reshuffled the order, and Love crossed the finish line in fifth.

“We were fast all night,” Love said. “Winning Stage 1 and running up front the majority of the race shows what our No. 2 Samsara Chevrolet is capable of. Obviously, you always want more, but a top five at Atlanta is a solid night and good points for our championship run.”

With the result, Love is now tied for third in the championship standings as the series heads next to Circuit of The Americas (COTA), a track that places an added premium on discipline and precision.

COTA will be a busy weekend for the 21-year-old Californian, as Love is scheduled to pull double duty, competing in both the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race and the NASCAR Cup Series event — gaining valuable track time while continuing his championship defense.

As the reigning champion, Love remains focused on consistency and execution — two pillars that defined his 2025 title campaign.

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About Jesse Love

Jesse Love is the defending NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Champion, capturing the 2025 title with Richard Childress Racing. Known for his race management, smooth driving style, and ability to perform across multiple track types, Love has quickly established himself as one of NASCAR’s premier young talents. The 21-year-old Californian continues to compete at the highest levels of stock car racing while building on a championship foundation rooted in consistency and competitive excellence.

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About Richard Childress Racing

Richard Childress Racing (RCR), founded and owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Childress, is one of the most iconic organizations in American motorsports. Based in Welcome, North Carolina, RCR competes in NASCAR’s national series and has earned multiple championships and more than 200 victories across its storied history. Fielding the No. 2 Chevrolet in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, RCR continues its tradition of developing championship-caliber drivers while maintaining a commitment to competitive excellence and innovation.