Young NASCAR star Jesse Love has released an emotional statement on social media after being confirmed as a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver from 2027.
The 21-year-old from Menlo Park in California will drive the No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford from next season, replacing Josh Berry. The team announced the move on Wednesday in an official statement.
Love has established himself as one of NASCAR’s brightest young stars, tearing up the ARCA Menards Series before moving into the then-Xfinity Series in 2024, winning Rookie of the Year before taking the championship 12 months later in a dramatic finale at Phoenix.
In an interview earlier in the season, Love admitted that he had 'no intention' of staying in the O'Reilly Series for 2027, with his new drive meaning that he won't have to.
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Love: I didn’t work my whole life just to arrive
The youngster posted an emotional message on social media about his 'journey' shortly after his full-time Cup status was made official, writing: "To realize a dream.
"Everything I’ve ever done, I’ve done to realize this dream. I’ve always believed that the relentless pursuit of a goal can be accomplished through obsession. With the right people around you, the right mindset, and the determination to wake up every day and pursue it, no mountain is too tall to climb.
"No part of this has been easy, and no part of it has been done alone. The dream might have been mine, but the work was everybody’s. So many people have given me their all throughout this journey, and today is for all of them.
"My dad and I carry the same name, and we’ve carried the same dream for as long as I can remember. Today, that dream becomes reality.
"Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey. And thank you to the Wood Brothers, Team Penske, and Ford for believing in me beginning in 2027.
"I didn’t work my whole life just to arrive.
"The journey continues."
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