Since clinching the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship at Phoenix Raceway in November, Jesse Love has largely avoided the typical winter downtime, embracing continuous racing and travel instead. The quick transition into new competitive environments reflects his commitment to staying sharp and building momentum ahead of the upcoming season.
Love explained at the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa,
“I’ve only experienced like 15 days of cold weather in North Carolina the past couple of months.”
He added,
“We went to Australia and now the Chili Bowl and some family vacation. Pretty busy.”
This active schedule shows that Jesse Love’s winter racing ambitions go beyond traditional boundaries.
Training and Racing Down Under Amid Southern Hemisphere Summer
Shortly after his championship win, Love headed to Australia to compete in the Super2 series alongside the Repco Supercars Championship in Adelaide, where it was summertime in November. The overseas stint included some beach relaxation near the equator but was largely focused on racing and skill development against international competition.
Reflecting on the experience, Love said,
“I enjoyed it from the history factor. I don’t get wrapped up in stuff like that a lot but I did think some about how these are the cars Shane drove that made him so good. I think I learned several techniques that weekend. It was challenging but I think it’s made me a better road racer for the Xfinity season.”
His time in the Super2 car allowed him to study racing styles and approaches from previous generations, which he hopes will elevate his performance on American road courses.
Continued Focus on Road Course Improvement and Competition
With the new season approaching, Love is eager to use his expanded experience to improve on road courses, which he identifies as a key goal.
“I still think Connor (Zilisch) and Shane (Van Gisbergen) are going to be running in our road course races and that’s the measuring stick,”
he noted.
“It’s good to have them to see how far I’ve come.”
This mindset highlights Love’s ambition to measure himself against top road racers, including established competitors like Van Gisbergen, while maintaining the strong work ethic that earned him his championship.
Return to Chili Bowl Midget Racing with Hendrick Motorsports Support
After a year away, Love made a comeback to the Chili Bowl, driving a car owned by Hendrick Motorsports crew chief Blake Harris, a figure with deep roots in dirt racing. The car was acquired from Alex Bowman and built partly at Hendrick Motorsports, reflecting a collaboration sparked through the Josh Wise Hendrick fitness program, which connects drivers across disciplines.
Love shared his adaptation process, saying,
“I was caught off guard at first but I didn’t expect to be this comfortable this quickly, and I don’t know if it’s their set-up or what, but I am really comfortable inside the car.”
He compared it to his previous experience,
“And I know that Alex’s cars, they have this look to them when they roll around at speed, and I expected them to feel different than a Keith Kunz or Chad Boat car, but I was just extra surprised and didn’t think we needed to make that many adjustments.”
Strategy and Expectations for the Upcoming Feature Race
To enhance his chances of qualifying for the feature event, Love switched his qualifying attempt from Wednesday to Friday, seeking a more straightforward path after his absence from Midget racing. He stated,
“So if Friday goes well, I don’t see why we can’t have a good run on Saturday and be in the show. That’s where my mind is at right now.”
He acknowledged the challenges ahead, recognizing experienced competitors with year-round USAC participation:
“My expectation is to drive this car really hard and make good decisions. If I do that, I think we can make the show. But I’m also very aware that I’m racing against guys who come here every year and have raced USAC all season so it would be kind of weird to tell you that I expect to run top-five in the feature on Saturday.”
Love remains hopeful but realistic, adding,
“It could happen and that’s the goal but it just comes down to if we execute and get a good draw, all the small things that need to go right here.”
Maintaining Momentum as the Racing Calendar Advances
Jesse Love’s approach to winter racing illustrates a determined refusal to slow down after his championship triumph. By engaging in diverse racing formats—ranging from Super2 cars in Australia to dirt track Midget cars in Tulsa—he is enhancing his skillset while remaining competitive and energized. This continual racing engagement is designed not only to preserve his sharpness but also to build on his prior successes as he prepares for a demanding Xfinity season focused on road courses and overall growth behind the wheel.
Love’s active off-season carries significance as it may establish a new standard for driver preparation, blending multiple racing disciplines and geographic locations to combat the conventional off-season lull. Fans and analysts will watch closely to see how this non-traditional winter rhythm influences his results on the track moving forward.
