ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (April 5, 2026) — Jesse Love delivered another strong performance in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Rockingham Speedway on Saturday, showcasing race-winning speed before a series of setbacks derailed his final result.

Driving the No. 2 Richard Childress Racing Whelen Chevrolet, Love qualified an impressive second and remained a consistent contender throughout the early portion of the race. He recorded a sixth-place finish in Stage One, continuing to demonstrate the speed that has kept him near the top of the championship standings.

Stage Two proved to be the turning point of the race, as it marked the second consecutive week of on-track contact between Rajah Caruth and Love, following an earlier incident at Martinsville Speedway.

At Rockingham, Caruth made contact with the rear of Love’s No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet while attempting to change lanes during a run. The misjudgment in spacing sent Love into the outside wall. While the damage did not require an immediate green-flag pit stop, it created issues that continued to affect the car’s performance throughout the remainder of the race.

Despite the setback, the No. 2 team adjusted strategy and focused on tire conservation to position themselves for a late-race opportunity. That strategy briefly paid off, as Love cycled to the lead and started the final stage from the pole. Running on older tires, he fought to maintain track position and remained inside the top ten before another setback struck.

A loose wheel forced a green-flag pit stop for repairs, costing multiple laps and ultimately ending any hopes of a strong finish.

Love was credited with a 27th-place result, a finish that does not reflect the speed shown by the No. 2 team throughout the event.

“Obviously not the day we wanted,” Love said post-race. “We had a really fast car — definitely capable of contending for the win. Proud of the effort from everyone at RCR. We’ll clean up the mistakes and come back stronger next week.”

Despite the adversity, Love remains second in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championship standings heading into the next event.

Up Next: The series heads to Bristol Motor Speedway, a track that has historically suited Love’s aggressive driving style and one where he looks to rebound and continue his championship push.

---

About Jesse Love

Jesse Love is a rising star in NASCAR and the defending NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion. Driving the No. 2 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, Love has quickly established himself as one of the sport’s top young talents, known for his racecraft, consistency, and ability to compete for wins at every level.

About Richard Childress Racing

Richard Childress Racing is one of NASCAR’s most storied organizations, founded by NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Childress. With championships and victories across NASCAR’s top series, RCR continues to be a leader in driver development and on-track performance.

About Whelen Engineering

Whelen Engineering Company is a global leader in emergency warning equipment, providing high-quality lighting and safety solutions for first responders, law enforcement, and commercial industries. Whelen has a long-standing presence in motorsports, supporting teams and drivers across NASCAR while promoting safety and innovation.