Jesse Love, recent NASCAR Xfinity Series champion, is set to compete in the 2025 Dunlop Super2 Series finale at the BP Adelaide Grand Final, citing Shane van Gisbergen inspiration as his main motivation for crossing into Australian racing. Love’s decision comes at a time when American drivers like Austin Cindric are attracting attention for their Supercars debuts, highlighting a growing connection between the US and Australian motorsport scenes.
Van Gisbergen’s Role in Shaping Love’s Path
While Austin Cindric’s arrival has made headlines, Jesse Love is another notable NASCAR driver joining the Australian racing scene, following the trail blazed by Shane van Gisbergen. Initially, Image Racing’s owner Terry Wyhoon had nearly brought Kyle Busch to Australia two seasons ago, but with that plan falling through, Love emerged as the driver to represent the team for this major event.
Love, who claimed NASCAR’s Xfinity Series championship earlier this month, did not consider Supercars an option until van Gisbergen began drawing attention in the US. Van Gisbergen’s performances in the Xfinity Series last year—winning three races and making a considerable impact on the stock-car community—captured Love’s interest and shifted his perspective on racing abroad.
How Supercars Came into Love’s Focus
I didn’t even really know about it until Shane. In my free time, I watch more sprint car racing, things like that, I didn’t even realise what was going on in Australia other than midget and sprint car racing.
– Jesse Love, Driver
So when me, and Shane got close and we became good friends, we started looking into it and I thought it looked like so much fun. More importantly, I thought there was so much for me to learn here, and the stuff that Shane does is like magic. If I can go over there and trial by fire, get my butt kicked, and learn some of that magic that Shane has, it will be huge experience for me,
– Jesse Love, Driver
Love’s comments underscore the unique influence van Gisbergen has had on his outlook, turning what was once a distant curiosity into an exciting new chapter in his driving career. The friendship formed between Love and van Gisbergen has clearly been instrumental in this transition, as Love aspires to learn from van Gisbergen’s expertise on the Australian circuits.
Testing and Goals for the Adelaide Finale
Before making his appearance in the Dunlop Super2 Series, Love will participate in a testing session at Mallala Raceway. He is set to join the full lineup during all four days of the BP Adelaide Grand Final, giving him an immersive experience in Australian motorsport. As an RCR driver, Love approaches this event without set expectations, choosing to focus on building his skills, especially in road-course racing.
One technical skill Love is eager to develop during his Australian stint is right-foot braking—a driving technique often used in Supercars. He intends to use this trip as an opportunity to master the method, potentially incorporating it into his approach in the Xfinity Series next season if he feels it benefits his performance behind the wheel.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of International Inspiration
Jesse Love’s entry into the Australian racing scene marks a new wave of collaboration and influence between the US and Australia in motorsports. With influential figures like Shane van Gisbergen setting an example, drivers like Love are encouraged to expand their skills and gain experience beyond their home circuits. As Love prepares for the BP Adelaide Grand Final, fans and competitors alike will be watching to see how the Shane van Gisbergen inspiration helps shape his development and adaptation in the months to come.
