Rising NASCAR Star Jesse Love to Race for Richard Childress Racing at COTA

Love's Cup Series debut backed by C4 Energy marks a key milestone in his 2026 season.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Jesse Love, the defending NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series champion and 2024 Rookie of the Year, will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut for Richard Childress Racing at the upcoming race at Circuit of the Americas (COTA). Love will drive the No. 33 C4 Energy Chevrolet, supported by crew chief Andy Street, in one of several Cup races he will participate in during the 2026 season.

Why it matters

This opportunity with Richard Childress Racing and C4 Energy represents a significant step forward in Jesse Love's rapidly rising NASCAR career. As a young, talented driver, Love's Cup Series debut at COTA will showcase his skills on a national stage and build momentum for his future in the sport's top level.

The details

Love, who made history as the youngest winner in NASCAR by capturing the ARCA Menards Series West championship at 16 years old in 2020, is currently in his third full season in NASCAR's second-tier series. He debuted in the NASCAR Cup Series with Richard Childress Racing at Bristol Motor Speedway in April 2025, accumulating five Cup starts to date before his upcoming 2026 race at COTA. C4 Energy, a brand owned by Nutrabolt, will serve as the primary sponsor for Love's car at COTA, underscoring a continued partnership that aligns with the brand's focus on athletes who exemplify determination and passion.

  • Jesse Love will race for Richard Childress Racing NASCAR at the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series event held at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
  • Love made history as the youngest winner in NASCAR by capturing the ARCA Menards Series West championship at 16 years old in 2020.
  • Love won half the events and claimed the full ARCA Menards Series title in 2023.

The players

Jesse Love

A rising talent in NASCAR, Love is the defending NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Champion and the 2024 Rookie of the Year. He is currently in his third full season in NASCAR's second-tier series driving the No. 2 Chevrolet.

Richard Childress Racing

A storied NASCAR team that will field Love's car for his upcoming Cup Series debut at COTA.

C4 Energy

A brand owned by Nutrabolt that will serve as the primary sponsor for Love's car at COTA, underscoring a continued partnership that aligns with the brand's focus on athletes who exemplify determination and passion.

Andy Street

The crew chief who will support Love's efforts in the No. 33 C4 Energy Chevrolet at COTA.

Robert Zajac

The chief marketing officer at C4 Energy, who emphasized the strong connection between the brand's values and Love's competitive spirit.

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What they’re saying

“At C4 Energy, we're drawn to athletes who embody drive, discipline, and relentless ambition and Jesse represents all of that and more. He's a rising star who competes with intensity and authenticity, which aligns perfectly with our brand. We're especially excited to have him at COTA right here in our own backyard of Austin bringing together speed, performance, and community in a way that feels uniquely C4.”

— Robert Zajac, Chief Marketing Officer, C4 Energy (theconwaybulletin.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. C4 Energy powers me on race days, prep days, and beyond so it's only fitting that they come along with me for my first NASCAR Cup Series start of 2026. Racing in the Cup Series is my goal and I'm ready to capitalize on these opportunities this season thanks to the strong team behind me at RCR including Richard Childress, Mike Verlander, Danny Lawrence and all the hard-working men and women at the race shop, ECR and CT Spring in Welcome, NC.”

— 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, Richard Childress Racing (theconwaybulletin.com)

What’s next

Jesse Love's involvement with Richard Childress Racing NASCAR at the Circuit of the Americas race signifies an important step in his career, blending an emerging talent's ambition with the legacy and resources of a storied team. Fans and partners alike will be watching to see how Love leverages this momentum in the high-profile events ahead.

The takeaway

This opportunity represents a significant milestone in Jesse Love's rapidly rising NASCAR career. As a young, talented driver, Love's Cup Series debut at COTA will showcase his skills on a national stage and build momentum for his future in the sport's top level, supported by the resources and expertise of Richard Childress Racing and the partnership with C4 Energy.