Jesse Love Supercars debut is set to make waves this weekend as the NASCAR Xfinity Series winner prepares for his first outing in Australian Supercars. Love, partnering with Terry Wyhoon’s Image Racing for a one-off appearance in the second tier, completed his initial test laps at Mallala Motorsport Park, describing the experience as his most physically demanding challenge yet.
First Impressions from Testing at Mallala
Making the switch from American circuits, Jesse Love took his first drive in the Gen2 Holden ZB Commodore at Mallala, aiming to adapt quickly to the unique demands of Australian Supercars. The series, known for its intense competition and technical vehicles, attracted Love following guidance from other racers, including former Supercars participant Austin Cindric. Cindric recently highlighted the car’s impressive downforce, improved grip, and its lighter, more agile handling compared to his own NASCAR Cup car, which he found notably more rigid.
Using past runs from established Super2 competitor Jordan Boys as a benchmark, Love faced a steep adaptation curve. He drew on his background in high-powered midgets and sprint cars but found the Commodore to be a step above in physicality. As lunchtime arrived during his initial test, Love reflected on the technical hurdles:
It’s pretty nuts just how technical everything is. Jordan has given me a really good reference to go off of. It’s kind of weird getting used to the right foot brake; it’s pretty weird getting used to a lot of things, really. But I feel like I should be able to figure it out by the end of the day. It’s definitely unlike anything I’ve ever driven,
Love said at lunchtime, with several laps still left to complete.
Adjusting Driving Techniques for Supercars
Transitioning from his RCR Chevrolet to the Commodore brought immediate surprises for Love, particularly regarding power and throttle management. He noted that managing the car while it’s still rotating requires precise inputs, and emphasized just how important it is to straighten the vehicle before applying significant throttle. The surge in available horsepower was especially apparent to him. He reviewed his impressions after the session:
It feels like I have way more horsepower in this car than I do (in) my Xfinity car. They’re just a lot more crazy than an Xfinity car, and obviously, the braking potential is unreal,
he reviewed.
Love made the strategic decision, following Austin Cindric’s approach, to commit exclusively to right-foot braking, a method commonly used in Supercars but less so in U.S. racing. According to Love, sticking with the right-foot technique proved beneficial, especially when dealing with challenging rear locking, helping him avoid potential errors on track.
Recognizing Challenges Ahead in Adelaide
While his laps at Mallala provided valuable learning time, Love acknowledged the reality that the race weekend in Adelaide will present a significantly greater test. The tight urban streets demand even more focus and adaptability compared to the controlled environment of a test track. Expressing his anticipation and the potential difficulty awaiting him in competition, Love admitted Adelaide
is going to be really hard,
but said he is eager to learn. He indicated that his enjoyment of the weekend will closely follow how competitive he is on track, remarking that strong performance would make the experience rewarding, while falling short could make it a tough endeavor.
The Significance of Love’s Entry into Supercars
The addition of Jesse Love to the Super2 field this weekend, following an Xfinity Series title win, draws increased attention from NASCAR and international motorsport audiences. His collaboration with Terry Wyhoon and Image Racing puts a spotlight on the unique challenges American drivers face when adapting to Australian Supercars. As industry observers like Simon Chapman note, these cross-series experiences foster new techniques and comparisons, enriching both racing cultures.
Love’s Supercars debut offers an engaging test of skill, physical conditioning, and adaptability, as he works to master a car and circuit unlike anything he has previously encountered. If he can make rapid progress, it could set an example for other U.S. talents looking to broaden their horizons on the global stage. All eyes now turn to Adelaide, where Love’s performance will provide the answer to just how quickly one of NASCAR’s latest stars can adapt to the fierce world of Supercars.
This year's NASCAR Xfinity Series winner @jesselovejr1 got his first Supercars laps today in a Holden ZB Commodore at Mallala ahead of his Super2 debut.
Via @speedcafe @avl_motorsport#NASCAR #Supercars #RepcoSC https://t.co/hjVOKcgJaX
— Simon Chapman (@simonchapman_) November 24, 2025
