Jesse Love, the defending O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion, suffered a dramatic accident during the 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals preliminary race, effectively ending his campaign in the event. The Jesse Love Chili Bowl crash took place on January 13, 2026, at the SageNet Center and forced the promising young driver to withdraw from the prestigious competition.
Dramatic Incident Occurs During Chili Bowl Preliminaries
The tense prelim race on Friday night saw Jesse Love battling fiercely with World of Outlaws driver Giocanni Scelzi for fifth place, driving his #2 midget car. On the final lap, Love crossed paths with Scelzi at the finish line, which caused Love’s vehicle to go airborne. The impact resulted in his car flipping four times before finally coming to a halt, raising concern among spectators and competitors alike. Despite the shocking incident, Love, aged 21, assured fans that he escaped serious harm.
In the aftermath, Jesse Love posted a health update on X, expressing gratitude for the support he received and clarifying his condition:
“Thank you to everyone who reached out, I’m okay. Had the rowdies up on their feet Friday night and crashed at the line.” He added, “My body is gonna recover. I’m just more upset than anything now. Grateful for the opportunity with Blake & hopefully I can stay more current this year on the dirt.”
— Jesse Love, Driver
Outcome of the Race and Impact on Competitors
Despite the crash, Jesse Love managed to finish sixth in the preliminary race, narrowly trailing Giovanni Scelzi. The victory went to Logan Seavey, a two-time Chili Bowl Nationals winner, while Justin Grant and Daryn Pittman completed the podium. The tight race highlighted the high level of competition and the risks inherent in midget car racing.
Withdrawal from Competition After the Crash
Jesse Love, representing Richard Childress Racing, was scheduled to race in the B-Feature 2 on January 17 for a second chance at the Chili Bowl Nationals title. However, the crash meant he would not take part in the remainder of the championship. NASCAR analyst Bob Pockrass reported on the development:
“Jesse Love won’t race today after that flip last night.”
— Bob Pockrass, NASCAR Analyst
The injuries may have been minor, but Love’s withdrawal left a notable gap in the 40th edition of the event, especially given his growing reputation and recent performances in midget racing.
Personal Reflections on the Chili Bowl Nationals
Jesse Love reflected on what the Chili Bowl Nationals means to drivers in the sport, drawing a powerful comparison in his statements to NASCAR:
“It’s like the Mecca, and it really is. But it’s true that it is all based off your perspective. As you start to gain your own confidence and get your own swagger, which I have been lucky enough to do over the last 12 months, you feel less intimated by the (SageNet Center) and people you’re racing. But you still have to respect it, otherwise you’re going to end up in the dumpster.”
— Jesse Love, Driver
This attitude points to both the glamour and danger associated with the Chili Bowl Nationals, a sentiment echoed by veterans and newcomers alike.
Event Standings and What’s Next at SageNet Center
Jesse Love had previously participated in four editions of the Chili Bowl Nationals between 2021 and 2024, attended as a fan in 2025, and was making his fifth attempt this year. The prestigious event, hosted at the SageNet Center, will soon crown its champion, awarding a Golden Driller trophy alongside a $20,000 prize. With Jesse Love out, the focus turns to drivers like Kyle Larson—last year’s victor representing Hendrick Motorsports—and Christopher Bell, competitors intent on claiming victory at one of dirt racing’s most celebrated venues.
The exit of Jesse Love from this season’s Chili Bowl Nationals underscores the unpredictable nature of the event and the ever-present risks in motorsports. His recovery and resilience serve as a reminder of the challenges drivers face and the passion that drives them, with fans anxiously awaiting his anticipated return to the dirt track.
Thank you to everyone who reached out, I’m okay. Had the rowdies up on their feet Friday night and crashed at the line. My body is gonna recover. I’m just more upset than anything now. Grateful for the opportunity with Blake & hopefully I can stay more current this year on the… pic.twitter.com/JduJrA3EgG
— jesse love jr (@jesselovejr1) January 17, 2026
