Young Prospect Jesse Love to Make NASCAR Cup Series Debut at COTA

Reigning NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series champion to compete in No. 33 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Richard Childress Racing has announced that 21-year-old Jesse Love, the reigning NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series champion, will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut at the upcoming race at Circuit of the Americas on March 1. Love will drive the No. 33 Chevrolet sponsored by C4 Energy, marking one of multiple planned Cup Series starts for the young driver this season as he continues his rapid rise through the stock car ranks.

Why it matters

This opportunity represents another significant step in Jesse Love's development, as the Menlo Park, California native looks to transition from his championship-winning season in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series to the top level of NASCAR competition. Love's debut at COTA will provide him with valuable experience as he aims to secure a full-time future in the NASCAR Cup Series.

The details

Love, who won the ARCA Menards Series West title at just 16 years old in 2020 and the ARCA Menards Series championship in 2023, will work alongside crew chief Andy Street for his Cup Series debut. The young driver is eager to capitalize on the opportunity, stating: 'C4 Energy has been with me throughout many major moments in my career and I'm excited for them to be showcased on the No. 33 Chevrolet when I make my 2026 Cup Series debut next weekend at Circuit of the Americas. Racing in the Cup Series is my goal and I'm ready to capitalize on these opportunities this season.'

  • Love will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut at the race at Circuit of the Americas on March 1, 2026.
  • Love previously made his Cup Series debut with RCR at Bristol Motor Speedway in April 2025.

The players

Jesse Love

A 21-year-old driver from Menlo Park, California who is the reigning NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series champion and has won multiple championships in the ARCA Menards Series.

Richard Childress Racing

The NASCAR team that is providing Love the opportunity to make his Cup Series debut in the No. 33 Chevrolet at COTA.

Andy Street

The crew chief who will work with Jesse Love for his NASCAR Cup Series debut.

C4 Energy

The sponsor that will be featured on the No. 33 Chevrolet driven by Jesse Love at his Cup Series debut.

Mike Verlander

The president of Richard Childress Racing, who expressed the organization's pride in Jesse Love's development and their excitement to help him compete at the highest levels of NASCAR.

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What they’re saying

“Jesse Love is a talented racer who has consistently proven himself with strong on-track performance and an off-track demeanor that appeals to fans and partners. We're proud of his development. We look forward to helping him compete at the highest levels of our sport.”

— Mike Verlander, President, Richard Childress Racing (on3.com)

“C4 Energy has been with me throughout many major moments in my career and I'm excited for them to be showcased on the No. 33 Chevrolet when I make my 2026 Cup Series debut next weekend at Circuit of the Americas. Racing in the Cup Series is my goal and I'm ready to capitalize on these opportunities this season.”

— Jesse Love (on3.com)

“We're especially excited to have him at COTA right here in our own backyard.”

— Robert Zajac, Chief Marketing Officer, C4 Energy (on3.com)

What’s next

Love's performance at the COTA race will be closely watched as he looks to secure more opportunities in the NASCAR Cup Series and continue his rapid rise through the stock car ranks.

The takeaway

Jesse Love's NASCAR Cup Series debut at COTA represents a significant milestone in the young driver's career, as he looks to leverage this opportunity to showcase his talent and take another step towards a full-time future in NASCAR's top level of competition.