Jesse Love secured the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship at Phoenix Raceway, cementing his place in racing history with a dominant performance. The Richard Childress Racing driver’s victory not only capped off a season of growth but also highlighted his emergence as the Jesse Love Xfinity Series champion, delivering under immense pressure.
Love’s Decisive Final Run at Phoenix
After an intense season, it all came down to Phoenix, where Love faced off against Connor Zilisch, widely seen as one of the strongest competitors this year. Throughout the final laps, Zilisch pressured Love relentlessly, but Love’s determination and pace ultimately propelled him ahead. As Love pulled away from Zilisch, he sealed both the race victory and the 2025 Xfinity Series championship, crossing the finish line first and embracing the spotlight.
The Champion’s Journey and Reflections
The triumph was the culmination of a hard-fought year for the California native, who turned 20 this season. Love’s steady development and resilience became clear not only through his results but in how he responded to adversity. Speaking moments after his win, Love reflected on the season’s challenges and perseverance:
“I just feel so clean, relieved,”
Love said moments after climbing from his car.
“It’s been a tough year for me. I’ve just put so much work into it. People like my dad and Scott Speed, my whole 2 team, have worked just as hard for my dream as I have for my own.”
— Jesse Love, Champion Driver
Throughout the year, flashes of outstanding talent surfaced, but it was at Phoenix where he delivered his defining performance, executing a pivotal overtake on Zilisch for the lead. Reflecting on their friendship and rivalry, Love shared:
“He’s my best friend in the whole world, but not when we’re racing each other,”
Love said.
“We race each other hard, but fair. I knew he was going to put it in my door. I had to throttle up and just get my nose ahead. He was running a really good race. My car was just better tonight and allowed me to roll off the center and get off the corner better.”
— Jesse Love, Champion Driver
Team Achievements and Rival Challenges
The win marked a significant moment for Richard Childress Racing (RCR). Once a dominant force in the Xfinity Series, RCR had not claimed the main championship in several seasons. Love’s success revived memories of the team’s biggest triumphs and demonstrated that they still have the ability to perform when it counts.
Meanwhile, powerhouse outfit JR Motorsports, featuring Championship 4 contenders Justin Allgaier, Carson Kvapil, and Connor Zilisch, fell short despite placing three cars in the final championship showdown. Despite their strong season, they could not match Love’s performance in the title-deciding race, leaving Phoenix disappointed after coming so close to the ultimate prize.
Overcoming Early Race Struggles
Love’s race was not without early setbacks. The start gave him reason for concern, but key adjustments proved crucial as he described afterward:
“We were so bad to start. I couldn’t believe how bad we were,”
he said.
“Danny put one of his magic wrenches in there and we came to life. I’m so grateful for everybody at RCR, back in North Carolina, all the boys, Chevrolet. This means the world to me.”
— Jesse Love, Champion Driver
As the race concluded and fireworks illuminated the night sky above Phoenix, Love celebrated atop his No. 2 Chevrolet, the weight of a landmark season evident in his emotional reaction.
A Legacy-Defining Victory
The historic win not only closed out the Xfinity Series era on a high but also set high expectations for the future. With the series set to be rebranded as the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series next year, Love’s championship ensures the Xfinity era concludes with a champion who lives up to its reputation.
For Jesse Love, this was not just a career-defining win. It represented a personal milestone, a testament to cooperation with trusted team members like Scott Speed and Danny, and a signal that his journey as a top-tier driver is only beginning. With RCR, Chevrolet, and his dedicated supporters behind him, Love’s place among the series’ best is assured, and his victory sets the tone for a new chapter in NASCAR competition.
