Jesse Love Set for Exciting 2026 Cup Start at COTA

The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series champion will make his Cup Series debut driving the No. 33 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing with C4 Energy backing.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Jesse Love is scheduled to make select appearances in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2026, beginning with a race at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in March. The champion of the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series will drive the No. 33 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, backed by C4 Energy sponsorship and guided by crew chief Andy Street.

Why it matters

Love's Cup Series debut at COTA represents a significant milestone in his NASCAR career, as the young driver looks to showcase his talent and potential at the highest level of stock car racing. The support from Richard Childress Racing and C4 Energy underscores the belief in Love's abilities and the excitement surrounding his future in the sport.

The details

During the 2025 season, Love participated in five Cup races for two different teams, achieving a strong qualifying position of 19th in his debut at Bristol and earning his best finish of 24th at the Indianapolis race while driving for Beard Motorsports. C4 Energy, a longtime personal sponsor, featured prominently on the hood of his cars throughout last year's starts.

  • Jesse Love will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in March 2026.
  • Love participated in five Cup races during the 2025 season.

The players

Jesse Love

The champion of the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series who will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut in 2026.

Richard Childress Racing

The NASCAR team that will field the No. 33 Chevrolet for Jesse Love in his Cup Series debut.

C4 Energy

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

Andy Street

The crew chief who will guide Jesse Love in his NASCAR Cup Series debut.

Mike Verlander

The President of Richard Childress Racing, who expressed the team's support and excitement for Jesse Love's development.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Jesse Love (theconwaybulletin.com)

“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 over the past few years and look forward to helping him compete at the highest levels of our sport alongside C4 Ultimate Energy.”

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

What’s next

The upcoming COTA race marks a significant step in Love's NASCAR Cup career, with fans eager to see his continued progress. The car's 2026 livery featuring C4 Energy branding will be unveiled as part of the preparation for the March event.

The takeaway

Jesse Love's NASCAR Cup Series debut at COTA, backed by Richard Childress Racing and C4 Energy, represents a promising opportunity for the young driver to showcase his talent and potential at the highest level of stock car racing. The support from his team and sponsor underscores the belief in his abilities and the excitement surrounding his future in the sport.