Richard Childress Racing (RCR) will feature promising driver Jesse Love in the NASCAR Cup Series race at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) on March 1. This event will mark one of several planned starts for the 21-year-old, who is continuing his progression in NASCAR’s premier division.
Love, the reigning NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion, will drive the No. 33 Chevrolet, sponsored by C4 Energy, for the road-course race held in Austin, Texas. The Menlo Park, California native will collaborate with crew chief Andy Street as he aims to gain valuable experience at this elite level.
Jesse Love’s NASCAR Journey and Upcoming Challenge at COTA
As a rising star in stock car racing, Jesse Love has quickly advanced through the ranks. He is entering his third full season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, piloting the No. 2 Chevrolet and coming off a championship-winning year that included earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2024. His track record highlights significant achievements, including an ARCA Menards Series West championship at just 16 years old in 2020 and another dominant ARCA Menards Series championship in 2023 after winning half the races that season.
Love’s upcoming Cup Series appearance is not his first experience at this level. He made his Cup debut with Richard Childress Racing at Bristol Motor Speedway in April 2025 and has accumulated five starts in NASCAR’s top category. Each race adds to his growing experience and prepares him for a potential full-time role in the Cup Series.
Support and Expectations from Team and Sponsors
Richard Childress Racing leadership regards the COTA opportunity as a vital part of Love’s development path. Mike Verlander, RCR president, praised Love’s talents, saying,
“Jesse Love is a talented racer who has consistently proven himself with strong on-track performance and an off-track demeanor that appeals to fans and partners,”
and added,
“We’re proud of his development. We look forward to helping him compete at the highest levels of our sport.”
For C4 Energy, the partnership has extra meaning given its Austin headquarters location. Robert Zajac, the brand’s chief marketing officer, remarked,
“We’re especially excited to have him at COTA right here in our own backyard,”
highlighting the local connection.
Jesse Love himself expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration and the upcoming debut:
C4 Energy has been with me throughout many major moments in my career and I’m excited for them to be showcased on the No. 33 Chevrolet when I make my 2026 Cup Series debut next weekend at Circuit of the Americas,
Love said.
Racing in the Cup Series is my goal and I’m ready to capitalize on these opportunities this season.
The Significance of the COTA Race in Love’s Career Advancement
The March 1 race at the Circuit of the Americas will serve as a critical platform for Jesse Love to further prove himself in NASCAR’s top tier. The road course will challenge his adaptability and skill on a demanding track, providing an important test that could shape his future prospects. Success here can accelerate his path toward a full-time Cup Series seat, a long-term ambition fueled by his rapid ascent through the sport’s competitive levels.
With experience gained from multiple starts and championship credentials backing him, Jesse Love’s presence at COTA could be an important milestone not only for his career but also for Richard Childress Racing as they invest in nurturing young talent. The race is anticipated to be an exciting showcase of emerging talent and strategic teamwork.
