Defending NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Champion Delivers in the Chase with Statement Win at St. Louis

MADISON, Ill. (September 12, 2026) — Jesse Love reminded everyone Saturday night why the defending NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series champion is at his best when the pressure is highest.

Love drove the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet Camaro for Richard Childress Racing to Victory Lane at World Wide Technology Raceway, earning his first win of the 2026 season and delivering a major statement in the second race of the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Chase.

It was a night that required patience, execution and determination. Through cautions, changing strategies and intense battles at the front of the field, Love kept himself in position to contend when it mattered most.

As the race entered its closing stages, Love found himself battling among the leaders with the opportunity he had been waiting for. With the laps winding down, he made his move, taking the lead late and putting the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet out front.

From there, Love never looked back.

Behind him, Sheldon Creed moved into second and attempted to close the gap, but Love controlled the final laps and drove across the finish line to secure a much-needed victory during the championship Chase.

For Love, the win was about much more than ending a long stretch without a trip to Victory Lane. It was validation of the work that has continued behind the scenes throughout a challenging season.

"Just proud of our crew. Proud of my pit crew. Proud of my whole Whelen Engineering team — everybody that's been so involved in repeating a championship this year," Love said in Victory Lane on the CW Network.

"It's been really hard, but I knew that if I keep my grit, if I keep my tenacity, if I keep my work ethic, and not just keep it, but improve it, then eventually, one of these opportunities is gonna be there and I'm gonna freakin' take it, which we freakin' did tonight. Man, I'm just so grateful."

The victory comes at an important point in Love's title defense. After opening the Chase at Darlington Raceway one week earlier, Love and the No. 2 team arrived at World Wide Technology Raceway knowing the championship battle would require strong performances every week.

Saturday night, they delivered.

With momentum now firmly on their side, Love and the Richard Childress Racing team turn their attention to Bristol Motor Speedway on Friday, September 18, for the next round of the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Chase.

JESSE LOVE FEATURED IN GREAT AMERICAN ROAD RALLY PREMIERE

Before Love returns to the racetrack at Bristol, fans will have an opportunity to see a very different side of the NASCAR champion.

Love will be featured in the premiere of the Great American Road Rally, airing Wednesday, September 16 at 9 PM ET on The CW Network.

The Great American Road Rally traveled historic Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica in support of the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation and its mission of improving the quality of life for children battling pediatric cancer by pairing them with teams, athletes and other supportive communities.

Love participated in the opening leg of the Rally from Chicago to St. Louis and continued his longtime support of Friends of Jaclyn and the children and families the organization serves.

Make sure to catch Jesse Love in the premiere of the Great American Road Rally Wednesday, September 16 at 9 PM ET on The CW Network.

ABOUT JESSE LOVE

Jesse Love, 21, is a native of Menlo Park, California, and the reigning NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series champion. A former ARCA Menards Series champion, Love has established himself as one of the top young drivers in NASCAR while competing for Richard Childress Racing in the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet.

Love's career will take another major step in 2027 when he moves to the NASCAR Cup Series with Wood Brothers Racing.

Away from the racetrack, Love has been a longtime supporter and ambassador for the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. He first became involved with the organization as a young racer and continues to use his growing platform in NASCAR to support children and families impacted by pediatric cancer.

Love is represented by Race Face Brand Development.

ABOUT RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING

Richard Childress Racing is one of the most recognized organizations in NASCAR history. Founded by Richard Childress, RCR has competed at the highest levels of NASCAR for more than five decades and has built a championship-winning legacy across multiple national touring series.

The organization currently fields entries in both the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series and continues to develop drivers, teams and partnerships capable of competing for victories and championships.

ABOUT WHELEN ENGINEERING

Whelen Engineering is a global leader in the design and manufacture of emergency warning and safety systems. Headquartered in Connecticut, Whelen has spent decades developing products used by first responders, emergency services agencies and other organizations around the world.

Whelen is a longtime partner of Richard Childress Racing and serves as a primary partner of Jesse Love and the No. 2 Chevrolet in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series.

MEDIA CONTACT

Rod Wortham
Race Face Brand Development
rod@racefacebd.com