Jesse Love is set to compete in the 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals, aiming to redeem himself after previous attempts, as he returns to the prestigious event at the SageNet Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Love will be behind the wheel of a car owned by Blake Harris, the crew chief for Alex Bowman’s No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports team in the NASCAR Cup Series, fueling high anticipation for his performance in January’s marquee midget racing showdown.
Chasing the Chili Bowl Dream After Setbacks
The Chili Bowl Nationals stands as the pinnacle of indoor midget car racing, drawing top talent to Tulsa each year. Jesse Love, a former Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series winner, has entered the event on three prior occasions but has yet to secure a spot in the A-Main. His 2024 campaign was particularly dramatic—he was leading his qualifier race before a flip dashed his hopes. For the 2026 edition, Love joins a standout roster that includes defending champion Kyle Larson, three-time winner Christopher Bell, and Ty Gibbs, all of whom are currently active NASCAR drivers.
Love’s Remarkable 2025 Season Sets the Stage
Coming into the 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals, Jesse Love carries momentum from his breakthrough performance in 2025. Love achieved a significant milestone by taking the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championship. The odds were stacked against him during the title decider at Phoenix Raceway, with JR Motorsports having the other three spots in the Championship 4. Undeterred, Love emerged victorious over tough competitors, including Connor Zilisch, Justin Allgaier, and Carson Kvapil, who were all fighting for the top prize.
During the final at Phoenix, Love demonstrated tenacity by leading for 34 laps. A decisive move on Lap 176 allowed him to overtake Zilisch and secure the win. Zilisch’s impressive rookie season included 10 victories and a historic streak of 18 consecutive top-five finishes; still, Love’s grit on championship Saturday proved decisive. Following his win, Love expressed the emotional relief of his achievement:
“I feel so clean, you know, relieved”
— Jesse Love, after the race
“It’s been a tough year for me. I’ve just put so much work into it. People like my dad and Scott Speed and the whole No. 2 team have worked just as hard for my dream as I have for my own… it doesn’t feel real.”
— Jesse Love, after the race
NASCAR Stars and Rising Talents to Watch in Tulsa
The 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals is not only a defining test for Jesse Love but also features a lineup rich with NASCAR’s current stars. Alongside Love in the event are Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, and Ty Gibbs—each bringing their own mark of achievement and raising the profile of the race. The blend of accomplished drivers from different racing backgrounds underscores the Chili Bowl as a vital proving ground and a showcase for the sport’s elite competitors.
What Jesse Love’s Chili Bowl Campaign Means
For Jesse Love, the opportunity at the Chili Bowl Nationals is about more than chasing a trophy. It is a shot at redemption and affirmation, following earlier disappointments and building on a championship season that showcased his talent and resilience. With support from Blake Harris and momentum from a year of hard-earned success, Love enters Tulsa with both high expectations and unfinished business. As the midget racing community and NASCAR fans look on, Love’s quest for Chili Bowl glory has become one of 2026’s most compelling motorsport stories.
NEWS: Defending #NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series champion @JesseLoveJr1 will compete in the 2026 #ChiliBowlNationals in a car owned by #NASCAR Cup Series crew chief Blake Harris.
— Joseph Srigley (@joe_srigley) January 6, 2026
Indoor szn 🥸 pic.twitter.com/W14WSX8JuR
— jesse love jr (@jesselovejr1) January 6, 2026
