NASCAR sponsorship issue could impact young driver's hopes of Cup Series drive

Jesse Love has been openly campaigning for promotion to the NASCAR Cup Series this year, but might face an unusual roadblock.

The reigning O'Reilly Series champion has been signed with Richard Childress Racing for some time, winning his title with the team last year, and has been one of the names linked with the renumbered No. 33 car for 2027.

That seat was not expected to be open next year, with reports early in May suggesting that Kyle Busch was going to stay put in what was then the No. 8 car. Obviously, Busch's devastating and sudden passing two weeks ago changes that situation considerably.

The team has made no public statement on their long-term plans for the seat (now running as the No. 33, with the No. 8 reserved for Busch's son Brexton), while Austin Hill has filled in at every race since Busch's death.

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Pockrass: Alcohol and nicotine sponsors could lock out young driver

However, FOX Sports' Bob Pockrass reported this week that the No. 33 car's current sponsorship partners could prove a barrier to someone like the 21-year-old Love taking on the drive next year.

While Love's name wasn't mentioned, Pockrass wrote: "If the car continues to have sponsorship from alcohol, THC and nicotine pouches, that could require a driver who is 25 or older, as those companies typically want someone who doesn’t look close to being underage."

As Love is the prominent young driver in the RCR organization who appears Cup Series-ready, that note seems like a fairly direct reference.

Hill and Front Row Motorsports' Noah Gragson were both namedropped as potential signings to fill the seat instead.

As for Love, one other team was mentioned as a possible home for him for 2027 – Legacy Motor Club, expanding to three charter cars next year. Riley Herbst is expected to drive the third, with Love 'a candidate' to partner him if the organization decides to move on from Erik Jones or John Hunter Nemechek.