Jesse Love, fresh from clinching the 2025 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championship, is trading celebrations for competition as he heads to the Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa. Instead of resting on his recent victory, Love is determined to finally conquer the prestigious dirt-track event, a goal that has thus far eluded him despite previous attempts.
Love Teams Up for a Strong Return to Tulsa
For his 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals bid, Jesse Love Chili Bowl Nationals will see him racing in a car prepared by Blake Harris, known for his leadership as Alex Bowman‘s crew chief at Hendrick Motorsports. This effort will run under 2nd Opinion Auto Center Racing, managed by Dan and Patricia Harris from Texas. The operation reflects the event’s unique blend of NASCAR’s technical expertise and the experience of dirt specialists, highlighting a collaboration that sets the Chili Bowl apart in motorsports.
Love joins an impressive lineup of teammates: Tanner Berryhill, who boasts over 40 starts in NASCAR national series, Jeb Sessums, Matt Sherell, and Luke Storer. This five-car team brings together diverse racing backgrounds, making for a formidable presence in Tulsa as preparations intensify for the event.
Determination Born from Previous Disappointments
Understanding the significance of Love’s entry requires looking at his past struggles at the SageNet Center. Although he previously won the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series, the Chili Bowl Nationals have been a persistent challenge. In his three attempts to secure a spot in the A-Main finale, Love has faced disappointment, most notably in 2024. That year, he was leading his qualifier and looked unattainable until a crash derailed his entire week, underscoring the unpredictable and grueling nature of this event. The heartbreak of being eliminated after seeming unstoppable has left a lasting mark.
Arriving as a freshly crowned NASCAR champion, Jesse Love faces additional pressure amid high expectations. Having proven his ability to endure a season-long rivalry with Connor Zilisch, he now faces a completely different test—navigating the maze of qualifying rounds at the Chili Bowl, where even the fastest face uncertainty due to the event’s notorious difficulty and unpredictability.
A Field Packed with Racing Stars
The upcoming Chili Bowl Nationals won’t just be about Jesse Love’s redemption. The 2026 lineup is star-studded, featuring Kyle Larson, who returns as both the defending and three-time Chili Bowl champion. Christopher Bell, who dominated the event from 2017 through 2019, is also set to compete alongside notable names such as Ty Gibbs, J.J. Yeley, Josh Bilicki, and Corey Day.
A new twist comes with Sheldon Creed making his debut appearance, adding anticipation to an already competitive event. With so many elite drivers from both stock car and midget racing, the Chili Bowl’s Golden Driller trophy is rapidly gaining prestige on par with legendary awards at other iconic racing venues like Martinsville and Fontana.
Carrying Confidence from Championship Success
Jesse Love enters the Chili Bowl Nationals with momentum, having demonstrated consistent performance throughout his title-winning NASCAR campaign. His 2025 season was marked by two trips to Victory Lane, nine top-five finishes, and a remarkable 22 top-ten results. Love’s ability to outperform competitors such as Connor Zilisch at Phoenix Raceway further cements his reputation as a driver ready for high-stakes battles.
Looking ahead, Love is set to continue his NASCAR journey with Richard Childress Racing in the No. 2 Chevrolet in 2026, aiming to defend his crown. Despite these long-term aspirations, his immediate focus is resolutely on succeeding in Tulsa from January 12th to 17th, where he hopes to finally put a difficult history behind him and demonstrate that talent on dirt can match his success on pavement.
The Chili Bowl Nationals, with its blend of rising stars and seasoned champions, offers Jesse Love a stage for both personal redemption and professional achievement. As anticipation builds, all eyes will be on the Tulsa Expo Center to see if this year’s campaign ends differently for Love—proving that persistence and determination may at last deliver him dirt-track glory.
