2025 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Champion Leaves Darlington Sixth in Chase Standings with Eight Races Remaining

DARLINGTON, S.C. — Jesse Love began his pursuit of back-to-back NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series championships Saturday night at Darlington Raceway, bringing the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet home 13th in the Fleetio 200.

The defending 2025 series champion entered the opening race of the nine-race Chase with one objective: defend the championship he earned a season ago.

Darlington didn't produce the finish Love and Richard Childress Racing wanted, but with eight races remaining, the championship battle is only beginning.

Love leaves "The Lady in Black" sixth in the Chase standings, 48 points behind championship leader Justin Allgaier.

Early Speed for the No. 2

After posting the 23rd-fastest time in practice, Love and the No. 2 team found significant speed before qualifying.

Love put the Whelen Chevrolet fourth on the starting grid in the 38-car field, immediately putting himself in position to race near the front.

He capitalized on that starting position early, running inside the top five, leading a lap and finishing Stage 1 in eighth to collect valuable championship points.

The balance of the race proved more challenging.

Love finished Stage 2 in 12th and continued battling throughout the final stage before taking the checkered flag in 13th.

It wasn't the opening Chase performance the defending champions were looking for, but the No. 2 team leaves Darlington knowing there is plenty of racing still ahead.

Eight Races to Defend the Championship

Winning a championship brings a different perspective to the pressure of a title fight.

Love and the Richard Childress Racing team have already been through it.

In 2025, they navigated the challenges of a full season and delivered when it mattered most to capture the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series championship. Now, the challenge is doing it again.

Sitting sixth in the standings with eight races remaining means there is work to do, but it also means there are eight opportunities to close the gap.

For Love and the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet team, the focus remains firmly on defending their championship.

One race is complete. Eight remain.

Up Next

The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series heads to World Wide Technology Raceway for the second race of the Chase on Saturday, September 12, with race coverage on The CW beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Love and the No. 2 Richard Childress Racing team will arrive in Madison, Illinois, looking to put Darlington behind them and begin closing the championship gap.

Looking Ahead to 2027

While Love's immediate focus remains on defending his NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series championship, another major chapter awaits.

In 2027, Love will make the move to the NASCAR Cup Series, taking the next step in a career that has already included championships in both the ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series.

For now, however, there is unfinished business in 2026.

About Jesse Love

Jesse Love is the defending 2025 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series champion and driver of the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing. The Menlo Park, California native is also the 2023 ARCA Menards Series champion and has established himself as one of NASCAR's rising young talents. Love is currently pursuing his second consecutive NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series championship before advancing to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2027.

About Richard Childress Racing

Richard Childress Racing is one of NASCAR's most storied and successful organizations. Founded by Richard Childress, RCR has earned championships and victories across NASCAR's national series and continues to field championship-contending teams at the sport's highest levels.

About Whelen Engineering

Whelen Engineering is a leading manufacturer of emergency warning and critical safety equipment serving law enforcement, fire, EMS and other public-safety applications. Headquartered in Connecticut, Whelen has built its reputation on American manufacturing, innovation and performance.

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