Rising NASCAR driver Jesse Love Jr. will return to Richard Childress Racing (RCR) for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, continuing behind the wheel of the No. 2 Chevrolet with Whelen Engineering as his primary sponsor.
Announced late Friday, the extension marks Love’s second full season with RCR and strengthens one of the most reliable partnerships in the garage. Whelen, a leader in emergency warning technology, will continue its long-running relationship with RCR as the team’s anchor sponsor, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to motorsports.
A Promising Return with Proven Backing at Richard Childress Racing
The announcement, first reported by motorsports journalist Joseph Srigley on X, confirms Love’s return to RCR for another full season. Love joined the team in 2024 and has since become one of its most promising young drivers.
“Richard Childress Racing has been an excellent ambassador for Whelen Engineering over the years,” said Peter Tiezzi, general manager of motorsports for Whelen Engineering. “We’re excited to extend our partnership and continue to impact the communities we serve through our race team partnership in 2026. We both remain focused on providing industry-leading solutions. Jesse Love has done a phenomenal job representing our brand. We wish him the best in his NASCAR Playoffs run this season and look forward to competing alongside him and RCR for a championship in 2026.”
RCR President Mike Verlander added, “Whelen’s unwavering commitment to motorsports and their focus on providing unsurpassed safety solutions to the communities they serve make them a leader in their industry, and everyone at RCR is proud to continue our partnership. Jesse is a talented young racer who aligns with Whelen’s core mission and values. He has been a great ambassador for Whelen both on and off the track, and we look forward to achieving more together in 2026.”
Love, the 2023 ARCA Menards Series champion, expressed gratitude for the continued support. “I’m proud to continue my relationship with Richard Childress Racing and Whelen Engineering and look forward to building upon our already strong foundation,” Love said. “Whelen’s strong commitment to motorsports is unmatched. Thank you to Sonny, Geoff, Peter, and everyone at Whelen for their faith in me. My goal is to go out and win races and championships for RCR and Whelen.”
Jesse Love Faces New Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Love’s 2025 rookie campaign has been nothing short of impressive, with three wins, a regular-season championship, and a strong playoff run that currently has him 40 points above the Round of 8 cutoff heading into Martinsville Speedway. The performance has RCR on the brink of its first series title since Austin Hill’s 2011 victory.
No. 2 Chevrolet will be the primary focus of Love’s work in 2026, as the organization will be balancing its Cup Series commitments with drivers like Kyle Busch and Austin Dillon
Next year, there is also the possibility that Danny Stockman, the crew chief who helped RCR achieve the 2013 Xfinity title, will return to the team, a move that could give the strategic side of Love’s team an advantage.
The Whelen Partnership Strengthens for 2026
The new deal between Whelen and RCR goes well beyond the mere amplification of the latter’s Xfinity program. Whelen is committed to innovation and safety, and these principles are in perfect harmony with RCR’s dedication to pushing the limits in performance and technology.
By losing no time, Whelen doubled down on its NASCAR commitment with RCR and Love. The partnership has turned into one of the most solid and reliable relationships in the sport, founded on trust, common goals, and shared victory.
Next Move for Love and RCR?
As the playoffs of the 2025 season draw to a close, the Martinsville race will be the moment that decides Love’s future path. With a good performance, he can move forward into the championship finale and create a 2026 season considerably stronger.
For RCR and Whelen, this extension is more than just a partnership, a commitment to go on working together and accomplishing great things. The season ahead is full of promise and excitement for both sides, with Love growing ever more confident and Whelen, the innovative one.
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