Reigning O'Reilly Series champion Jesse Love will drive fulltime in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2027 after signing with Wood Brothers Racing.

The 21-year-old from Menlo Park in California will drive the No. 21 Ford Mustang 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. After becoming the youngest champion in ARCA Menards Series history with his first ARCA Menards Series West title at age 16, he went on to capture the 2023 ARCA Menards Series championship before making the jump to the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

There, he earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2024 before capturing the series title in 2025. Love has also made seven Cup Series starts and is currently competing for a second consecutive O’Reilly Auto Parts Series title.

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Love honored to get Wood Brothers seat

“Driving the No. 21 for Wood Brothers Racing is truly an honor,” said Love.

“This team has played such an important role in NASCAR history, and the drivers who have sat behind the wheel of this car are some of the greatest our sport has ever seen.

I’m incredibly grateful to everyone at Wood Brothers Racing, Team Penske and Ford Racing for believing in me - I’m excited to get to work, continue learning from the people around me and compete at the highest level.”

Team boss excited to sign up Love

“Jesse has accomplished a lot at a young age,” said Jon Wood, president of Wood Brothers Racing.

“He’s demonstrated the ability to win races, compete for championships and handle the expectations that come with racing at a high level. We’re looking forward to giving him the opportunity to take the next step in his career with the No. 21 team.”

Love had been signed with Richard Childress Racing for some time, and unsurprisingly had been linked with the No. 33 car next year following the untimely death of the great Kyle Busch.

However, FOX Sports' Bob Pockrass reported that the No. 33 car's current sponsorship partners could present a barrier to someone of Love's age 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."

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