Jesse Love made a memorable entrance in his Super2 Series debut, putting the spotlight on his skills as he challenged the established field at Mallala, South Australia. Bringing attention to the Jesse Love Super2 Series debut, the American reversed the traditional flow of drivers heading to the United States by testing himself in Australia’s competitive second-tier championship.
American Driver Takes on Australian Challenge
While many Supercars drivers have tried their luck in America, Love now returns the favor by embracing a unique challenge in Super2, which serves as Australia’s equivalent to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Being closely linked to Chevrolet, he carried the distinctive bowtie badge on his car, though the series continues to use Holden branding for General Motors vehicles. This debut served as a significant test for the 2025 O’Reilly Series champion, marking his adaptation to a different racing environment and vehicle dynamics.
Love spent considerable time on track, completing 70 laps at Mallala, located just outside Adelaide, the site of the Supercars championship finale. Adjusting to the different driving position and right-foot braking, he faced several new elements during this test session.
“It was my first time driving a big horsepower car with right-foot braking,”
Love said, via AutoAction.
“It was very fun to learn and I was surprised by how naturally I adapted to it.”
— Jesse Love, Driver
The experience offered Love immediate insight into how the Super2 cars differ from what he’s accustomed to in the O’Reilly Series. The pace and handling stood out as key contrasts for him.
“In Xfinity [now O’Reilly], everything happens slower. In the Super2 car, everything was happening very quickly,”
Love explained.
“It felt really positive, really alive. Honestly, it was unlike anything I have ever driven before. Maybe the closest thing would be a shifter kart.”
— Jesse Love, Driver
Intent on impressing for the right reasons, Love aims to keep his focus on performance rather than off-track distractions, setting his sights on a noteworthy finish rather than sensational headlines.
Jesse Love and Austin Cindric Represent NASCAR Overseas
This weekend, Jesse Love’s focus is squarely on competing in Super2 at Adelaide, while fellow NASCAR driver Austin Cindric is vying in the main Supercars event. Representing Team Penske, Cindric comes with prior experience at Australian tracks, though the new Gen3 Supercars Mustang presents a fresh challenge as he looks to rebuild his reputation for road course expertise—a distinction that eluded him recently in NASCAR Cup Series competition, where his successes came at superspeedways and Gateway, rather than on twisty circuits.
Having both Love and Cindric racing in Australia underscores a reversal of the recent driver exchange trend, where figures such as Brodie Kostecki, Shane van Gisbergen, Cam Waters, and Will Brown have ventured to America for select starts in Cup and O’Reilly events. Now, as NASCAR drivers find time in their packed schedules for Australian competition, it marks a significant milestone for international crossover in motorsport.
Enthusiasm surrounds Love’s potential, with many seeing his background and rapid adaptation as indicators that he could contend for victory. While several factors will influence his result, confidence is growing that Love can compete seriously with the Super2 regulars and make his mark on the Australian racing scene.
The next chapter for Love will be decided on the track at Adelaide, where his performance could signal a shift in opportunities for aspiring American racers internationally and further cement strong ties between the NASCAR and Supercars paddocks.
