Jesse Love’s Super2 Adelaide debut proved to be an unforgettable challenge, with the American NASCAR champion openly sharing his feelings of intimidation as he encountered the demanding South Australian circuit. Jumping into the bp Adelaide Grand Final as his first Super2 Series event, Love described how the experience, especially tackling one of the track’s fastest corners, took him by surprise and left a lasting impression.
Making his first start in the Dunlop Super2 Series at the 2025 Adelaide Grand Final, Love arrived fresh off his championship victory in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Piloting the #57 Holden Commodore ZB for Image Racing and supported by Whelen Engineering, Love entered a competitive Australian racing scene, bringing along his reputation as a rising star in motorsports.
Adjustment to Super2 Challenges and Adelaide’s Intense Corners
During the opening practice session, Love quickly understood the difficulties posed by the Adelaide street circuit. As he approached Turn 8 for the first time, the combination of high speed and technical demands provided a true test of his adaptability and nerve. He recounted the moment candidly:
“While I grabbed my sixth gear and I’m still accelerating, and I’m like oh my god, please stop accelerating stop I finally get to the corner and brake and I couldn’t believe that, and honestly, it was the first time in quite a while that I’ve honestly been somewhat scared going into a corner, and it’s probably the most intimidating corner I’ve ever experienced.”
— Jesse Love, Driver
This realisation served as a testament to the unique challenges presented by Australian touring cars, even for an accomplished driver like Love, who had already tasted championship success in North America. The high-speed nature of the Super2 machinery and the unforgiving urban layout of the Adelaide circuit provided an experience different from the ovals and road courses he had dominated previously.
Approach and Mindset for the Debut Event
In preparation for the Adelaide Grand Final, Love completed approximately 70 laps at the Mallala Motor Sports Park during a test session earlier in the week. His focus remained on adapting quickly and performing cleanly in the unfamiliar environment. Speaking ahead of the race, Love outlined his strategy:
“The important part is to execute the weekend well. Avoid big mistakes and give ourselves a chance at a good result.”
— Jesse Love, Driver
As a full-time competitor with Richard Childress Racing in NASCAR’s second-tier series, Love recognized the unique nature of the opportunity. He was aware that peers from the O’Reilly Series were following his efforts closely. He also reflected on the experience, stating:
“I think every Xfinity driver would like to be doing what I’m doing. This is a really good experience, and Super2 is great value,”
— Jesse Love, Driver
Racing Accolades and the Broader Significance
Still only 20 years old, Love’s transition from securing the 2025 NASCAR O’Reilly Series championship to taking on Australia’s Super2 field highlighted his versatility and ambition. His 2025 campaign boasted two wins, four pole positions, nine top-five and 22 top-ten finishes, with an average result of 11.06, showcasing consistent high performance. The Adelaide Grand Final event marked a new phase in his fast-growing career, giving him additional experience against a fresh set of rivals and in new machinery.
As Jesse Love continues to adapt to the demands of the Super2 Series, his honest perspective on the intimidating nature of the Adelaide circuit adds a human dimension to elite motorsports. Fans can follow his progress throughout the bp Adelaide Grand Final, as every session will be available to stream, providing an opportunity to witness how an American champion rises to a new challenge on the Australian stage. The debut of Jesse Love in Adelaide not only fascinates spectators but also signals his willingness to compete and grow beyond familiar territories.
"The first time in quite a while that I've honestly been somewhat scared going into a corner."
– @jesselovejr1 on his experience going into Turn 8 at Adelaide in a Super2 car for the first time.
With a @leighdiffey cameo. pic.twitter.com/xIoBCX6Gvs
— Bozi Tatarevic (@BoziTatarevic) November 28, 2025
