Jesse Love achieved his first NASCAR Xfinity Series championship at Phoenix Raceway on Saturday, capturing the title after a late-race surge amid intense competition. The Jesse Love Xfinity Series Champion win capped a dramatic finale, where teamwork and determination played key roles for Love and his crew.
Late-Race Moves Secure Championship Title
The final event of the season at Phoenix Raceway saw Jesse Love rise to the occasion after a caution for Ryan Sieg drew the field close in the closing stages. Love’s pit crew proved crucial, getting his No. 2 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet out of the pits first after the caution. However, on the restart, Connor Zilisch—Love’s closest friend—briefly snatched the lead before Love retook it with just 24 laps to go. From there, Love maintained his advantage through to the checkered flag, notching his second victory of 2025 and the third of his career.
“LOVE CONQUERS ALL!@jesselovejr1 is the 2025 Xfinity Series Champion! pic.twitter.com/u7Re5Z0fmO”— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) November 2, 2025
Teamwork and Dedication Fuel Love’s Victory
Following his triumph, Love highlighted the immense effort behind his championship, saying,
“I just put so much work into it… the people like my dad, Scott Speed, the whole No. 2 team that have worked so hard for my dream as I have for my own,”— Love, Driver (told CW Sports)
The support of his father, former driver Scott Speed, and the entire Richard Childress Racing team proved instrumental in his journey to becoming an Xfinity Series champion.
Race Results and Championship Outcomes
Aric Almirola finished a strong second, earning the owners championship for the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, despite missing out on the driver’s crown. Championship 4 contender Connor Zilisch claimed third, with Justin Allgaier in fifth and Carson Kvapil in thirteenth. Zilisch, who is set to compete full-time for Trackhouse Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2026, also clinched the Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year honor.
Top Finishers at Phoenix Raceway
The Phoenix finale showcased stellar performances across the field. Almirola, Zilisch, polesitter Brandon Jones, and Allgaier rounded out the top five. The rest of the top ten featured Sammy Smith, Taylor Gray, Sheldon Creed, Austin Hill, and Justin Bonsignore. Other notable finishes included Harrison Burton in eleventh, Brenden Queen in nineteenth, and Ryan Sieg in thirty-seventh.
A Look Ahead to the 2026 NASCAR Season
With the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season now concluded, anticipation builds for the 2026 campaign. Action is set to return with the United Rentals 300 on Saturday, February 14. Jesse Love, now carrying the title of Xfinity Series Champion, is primed to defend his crown in the No. 2 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet. As the series moves forward, drivers like Carson Kvapil, Sheldon Creed, and Connor Zilisch are also expected to be in the spotlight.
LOVE CONQUERS ALL!@jesselovejr1 is the 2025 Xfinity Series Champion! pic.twitter.com/u7Re5Z0fmO
— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) November 2, 2025
