Richard Childress Racing has released a statement on the upcoming departure of Jesse Love, who has signed a deal to drive full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for Wood Brothers Racing in 2027.
Love joined the historic organization back in 2024 to run in the O'Reilly (then Xfinity) Series, winning Rookie of the Year and following it up with the championship in his sophomore season, narrowly beating out his close friend Connor Zilisch 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.
The pathway to the Cup Series looked difficult for him, with a number of factors meaning he was unlikely to step into the No. 33 car in 2027, while the No. 3 car is likely to be Austin Dillon's for as long as he wants it. As such, for Love's progression, it was time for a move.
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RCR: Proud to have been part of Love's development
The RCR statement on his departure made a point to insist that they would remain fully committed to helping Love retain his O'Reilly Series title for the rest of the season, adding that they are 'proud' to be part of his development.
In full, it read: "Richard Childress Racing is appreciative of Jesse Love’s contributions during his three seasons with our organization and wishes him nothing but success in the future.
"Jesse is a talented racer, and we are proud to have played a role in his development into a NASCAR champion. All parties remain aligned and committed to defending the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championship in 2026."
Love: I didn’t work my whole life just to arrive
The youngster posted his own 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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