NASCAR Drivers News

Jesse Love Stuns as Xfinity Series Champion in Phoenix Showdown

By Khushal Bhatia
Jesse Love Xfinity Series champion
Jesse Love celebrates victory with team in Xfinity Series championship win. [Image Source: CLOUDINARY]

Jesse Love captured the attention of the NASCAR world Saturday night at Phoenix Raceway, seizing the title of Jesse Love Xfinity Series champion in a dramatic season finale that capped a fiercely competitive battle for the 2025 circuit championship. In front of an emotional crowd and his family, Love overtook regular-season leader Connor Zilisch with under 25 laps remaining, securing his first series crown in just his second full season at the national level.

Love Rises to the Top After Commanding Final Laps

As the drama unfolded at Phoenix, Jesse Love’s breakthrough moment unfolded with a late-race charge that saw him pass Connor Zilisch, who had dominated much of the regular season with 10 victories. While Zilisch started strong and held an early advantage after stage breaks and pit strategies, the narrative shifted dramatically in the closing laps. Love capitalized on a critical restart, making his move on lap 176 along Turn 2 and solidifying the lead at Turn 4.

Aric Almirola put in a consistent drive to claim second place, which secured the coveted Owners’ Championship for Joe Gibbs Racing, reflecting the team’s depth across the season. The race also marked the conclusion of an era for the series, with Xfinity wrapping up its 11-year tenure as lead sponsor; O’Reilly Auto Parts will step into the sponsorship role starting in 2026.

Jesse Love
Image of: Jesse Love

At the finish, Zilisch fell to third, a heartbreaking result that left him sitting dejected by his No. 88 Chevrolet, while Love and his supporters celebrated the culmination of his journey to the top.

Family and Fans Celebrate a Milestone Victory

Emotion ran high among supporters as Jesse Love crossed the finish line. Family and fans voiced their pride in the 20-year-old’s achievement, with the spotlight also falling on his father, Duke Love, who became teary as the final laps unfolded. Following the race, Duke shared his feelings:

“It’s a dream come true,” Duke Love, Father of Jesse Love

“I’m so proud of him.” Duke Love, Father of Jesse Love

Celebration extended well beyond the track, as social media exploded with congratulatory messages from fans and the national racing community. The racing world echoed the sentiment that Love’s journey embodied the spirit of racing families coming together in moments of triumph.

“Race as a family. Win as a family. pic.twitter.com/TwprdshOvs” NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity)

Dramatic Swings Mark a High-Stakes Race

The energy at Phoenix Raceway was palpable from the start of the Xfinity Series championship decider. The race saw Jeb Burton encounter trouble in the early stages with a collision at lap 37, although the field remained under green flag conditions. Taylor Gray displayed his prowess by capturing the opening stage, while Justin Allgaier led among the Championship 4 contenders after the first segment.

“He’s picking up right where he left off!@Taylor_Gray wins the opening stage at @phoenixraceway. pic.twitter.com/yGhgalFGCV” NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity)

Connor Zilisch demonstrated skill in pit strategy, emerging out front following a crucial pit road battle, but lost ground as Carson Kvapil slipped back in the order. Allgaier fought to retake the lead, eventually making a move past Zilisch and going on to control much of the race leading up to stage two’s conclusion.

“Winning the #Championship4 race off pit road is @ConnorZilisch!
Meanwhile, @Carson_Kvapil falls back to 10th. pic.twitter.com/afwRwdBrqH” NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity)

“Now, it’s @J_Allgaier’s time to strike!
He moves past @ConnorZilisch into first! pic.twitter.com/BxbDes5V9b” NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity)

Allgaier spent much of the race out front, supported by efficient pit work and tactical driving that enabled him to grab the stage two win and lead for 75 laps overall. However, the field remained close, setting up a tense run to the checkered flag once the final round of pit stops concluded.

“The defending champ sets sail to take Stage 2!
It’s all @J_Allgaier at the end of the second frame. #Championship4 pic.twitter.com/zktBbLUhG0” NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity)

“Winning the race off pit road is @jesselovejr1, whose team delivered its fastest four-tire pit stop of the season. 📸 pic.twitter.com/phjMx21ZMv” NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity)

A 12.8-second pit stop by Love’s crew gave him the lead, but Allgaier responded by taking the top position back with just 75 laps remaining. Zilisch’s reputation as one of the series’ best restarters shone through as he grabbed the advantage on a restart with fewer than 40 laps to go.

“With 75 laps to go at @phoenixraceway, it’s @jesselovejr1 chasing @J_Allgaier for the grand prize. #Championship4 pic.twitter.com/QHAuMmraHQ” NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity)

“It’s the season’s best restarter in the biggest restart yet this year!@ConnorZilisch gets the upper hand with less than 40 to go at @phoenixraceway! #Championship4 pic.twitter.com/6K6xEwxNyB” NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity)

Despite Zilisch’s skills under pressure, he could not withstand Love’s precise move, which would ultimately define the 2025 title race. Love steadily pulled away with ten laps to go, expanding his lead by a small margin each lap and finishing a full ten car lengths ahead for a decisive and emotional win.

“LOVE TAKES THE LEAD!!
20 TO GO IN PHOENIX!! pic.twitter.com/fpLkXnjh66” NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity)

“Only 10 laps remain at @phoenixraceway!@jesselovejr1 is in control! #Championship4 pic.twitter.com/bpv1ZLvmRx” NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity)

“A big victory on a big stage. pic.twitter.com/3o0RLw8s1v” NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity)

Key Moments from Support Series and the Broader Scene

On Saturday’s schedule at Phoenix, another notable champion was crowned as Trevor Huddleston captured the ARCA Menards Series West drivers’ championship, earning attention by lighting up his No. 50 machine in celebration. These dual championship results elevated the intensity and sense of occasion for everyone in attendance and watching from afar.

“🏆 2025 ARCA Menards Series West CHAMPION Trevor Huddleston!
🏁 The No. 50 lights up the tires as he celebrates an incredible 2025 season! pic.twitter.com/peDxPDBw29” ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing)

What’s Next for the Series and Its Stars

The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series finale at Phoenix Raceway marks a passing of the torch in sponsorship, transitioning from Xfinity to O’Reilly Auto Parts beginning in 2026. For Jesse Love, this breakthrough as Xfinity Series champion launches him into the national spotlight and raises anticipation for his future in the series and possibly beyond.

For runners-up such as Connor Zilisch, the result is a bittersweet reminder of how quickly fortunes can turn on race day, but it also reinforces the competitive depth in the field. Teams like Joe Gibbs Racing, with Aric Almirola delivering the Owners’ Championship, and strong rookies like Taylor Gray, have made this season one of the most closely watched in recent memory.

With new sponsors and hungry talent rising in the ranks, the NASCAR Xfinity Series is poised for further drama and excitement, ensuring that the 2025 campaign’s fierce battles and emotional victories, as seen in Phoenix, are just a preview of what’s to come for fans and stars alike.

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