Jesse Love Jr., the reigning NASCAR Xfinity Series champion, took on a new challenge by making his first appearance in the Dunlop Super2 Series during Australia’s Adelaide 500. This marked the first time Love competed outside the United States, with his debut drawing attention for being both a significant learning opportunity and a difficult test, especially on the demanding Adelaide street circuit. The Jesse Love Australia Super2 debut provided insight into adapting between racing series and highlighted differences in international motorsport competition.
Adapting to Racing Down Under
Love entered the Australian racing scene as a guest driver in the Dunlop Super2 Series, which acts as a stepping stone to the Repco Supercars Championship. Competing during the Adelaide 500 weekend, Love tackled a Supercars-style vehicle for the first time, a change from his usual NASCAR Xfinity car. On the Door Bumper Clear podcast, he shared that the chance to drive machines similar to those used by superstars in the Supercars division was a standout moment in his career.
“I had the opportunity to go run a Super2 car with the Supercar V8 series, Love said.”
— Jesse Love Jr., NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion
“I ran like the series of V8 Supercars, like what SVG won all his races and championships in. I think he did one year in the new car”
– Jesse Love Jr., NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion
The equipment, according to Love, felt largely like what’s been seen in recent Supercars competitions. While the cars themselves weren’t entirely unfamiliar, taking the wheel in this environment brought him a new sense of excitement.
“But for the most part, it was all basically, Jesse said.”
— Jesse Love Jr., NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion
“so that was super cool. So that was super cool, all that stuff, he said.”
— Jesse Love Jr., NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion
The Dunlop Super2 Series is noted for its focus on V8-powered vehicles that race mainly on road and temporary street circuits, with many aspiring drivers aiming for promotion to the top-tier Supercars grid. Love’s participation as a one-off entry at the Adelaide 500, a marquee event in Australian motorsport, underscored the significance of his international debut.
Facing a New Challenge on the Adelaide Circuit
Arriving in Adelaide, Love found himself starting from the back of the field on a tricky street circuit, having never driven a Supercars-spec car in competition before. The Adelaide street track is recognized for its tight racing lines and limited overtaking opportunities, making it a daunting venue for any newcomer.
Despite the unfamiliar settings, Love quickly adjusted, finding a level of comfort with the car’s speed even in early laps.
“But I was okay on speed. But I was okay on speed, Love said.”
— Jesse Love Jr., NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion
Transitioning to the unique racing style of the Super2 Series, however, was tougher than anticipated.
“But it was just, than I thought, as hard as I thought going into it. And yeah, they definitely, he said.”
— Jesse Love Jr., NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion
Throughout the race, Love steadily moved up through the field, ultimately finishing in 14th position after overtaking several competitors.
“I was the biggest mover, so that was something I could hang my hat on a little bit, Love said.”
— Jesse Love Jr., NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion
The Adelaide street circuit demanded a careful blend of braking precision and throttle management, particularly during long green-flag run periods, testing even the most experienced drivers’ control and focus.
Experiencing Australian Super2 Competition
Love quickly noticed the depth of talent in the Super2 paddock. Many of the other drivers have concentrated their racing skills on road courses, making it a stiff level of competition throughout the grid.
“But yeah, it was hard. The worst guy in Super2, the worst guy in Super2 was on a road course., the 5th place. There was not, that I was like, ‘Oh, this guy sucks.’ It was impressive, Love said.”
— Jesse Love Jr., NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion
Cars in the Super2 Series produce more than 600 horsepower, demanding accuracy and finesse on both corner entry and exit. Love went up against competitors who have spent years developing skills tailored specifically for tracks like the Adelaide street circuit.
His appearance in the Super2 Series followed his successful 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series campaign, where he amassed multiple victories and clinched the championship title. As of the interview, Love indicated this race was a one-off experience, with no confirmed plans for additional international appearances at that time. Instead, he reflected on how valuable it was to measure himself against some of Australia’s rising racing talents and to learn from the highly competitive Super2 field.
A Valuable Experience with Lessons for the Future
The Jesse Love Australia Super2 debut was more than a test of speed; it challenged him to adapt rapidly, compete against a new tier of rivals, and gain exposure to one of motorsport’s most demanding arenas. His willingness to step out of his comfort zone and engage in this international competition highlighted his passion and drive to continually develop as a racing driver. The performance at Adelaide 500 stands as an important milestone in Love’s already impressive career, and it may pave the way for further global racing experiences in the future.
.@jesselovejr1 went from finishing the season at the top to racing Supercars down under. 🦘@TBR7NY | @FreddieKraft | @KarsynElledge3 pic.twitter.com/ZulsnL7CF1
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) December 17, 2025
