Jesse Love’s Chili Bowl Nationals campaign ended abruptly on Friday night in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after a frightening post-race crash. The promising NASCAR driver, competing in his fifth Chili Bowl, will not return for Saturday’s finale, as his exit follows a dramatic airborne incident that unfolded after the event’s checkered flag—spotlighting the peril that racers face even after the competition ends. The Jesse Love Chili Bowl crash has reverberated throughout the racing community and raised questions about racing risks and recovery.
Fiery Finish Leads to Sudden Withdrawal
The incident occurred at the SageNet Center, just as Jesse Love and Giovanni Scelzi came off the final turn, racing side-by-side for fifth place. Their battle climaxed after the finish line when the two cars made wheel-to-wheel contact. The impact sent Love’s car flying, flipping three times before it crashed down in Turn 1, ultimately coming to rest on all four wheels. The packed stadium, filled with fans and racers, watched in tense silence as the dramatic chili bowl crash unfolded.
Following the incident, Bob Pockrass reported via social media that Love would not be able to compete on Saturday, posting:
“Jesse Love won’t race today after that flip last night,”
—Bob Pockrass, reporter. The news was met with understanding but disappointment by those hoping to see Love contend in the high-profile event’s final. According to the same report, Love’s withdrawal is a direct result of the harrowing flip and ensuing crash.
This year, Jesse Love was piloting a midget car owned by Blake Harris, crew chief for Alex Bowman and Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 48 NASCAR Cup Series entry. Love, still only 21 years old, had participated in the Chili Bowl Nationals every year since 2021, marking a determined and ambitious path through the ranks of American motorsports and raising expectations for a strong showing in Tulsa.
Prestige and Competition at the Chili Bowl
The Chili Bowl Nationals is renowned as the pinnacle of midget racing, attracting the very best talent from motorsports. The 2026 edition promised a $20,000 grand prize and a field loaded with stars, including defending champion Kyle Larson, three-time victor Christopher Bell, and NASCAR’s Ty Gibbs. For Love, missing out on this finale is not just a personal setback but also a lost opportunity to race against the likes of these elite competitors in one of the sport’s defining events.
Recent Triumphs and Rising Profile
Love arrived at this year’s Chili Bowl riding a wave of momentum. His 2025 season was capped by a breakthrough victory, claiming the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championship after a fierce showdown at Phoenix Raceway. During the closing laps, Love found himself up against drivers from Championship favorites JR Motorsports—Carson Kvapil, Connor Zilisch, and Justin Allgaier. He led much of the race, making the decisive pass on Zilisch with 24 circuits to go and clinching the title in dramatic style.
After the championship win, Love described the moment as surreal and relieving, the culmination of years of preparation and persistence in motorsports. His rapid ascent through the rankings and continued presence at major events like the Chili Bowl underscored his status as a rising prospect in racing circles.
The Road to Recovery Raises Difficult Realities
The aftermath of Friday’s post-race Chili Bowl crash is a stark reminder of the hazards inherent in dirt track and open-wheel racing. For Jesse Love, the days ahead will focus not on competing for trophies but on rest and recovery after the violent accident. The incident, echoing around the racing world thanks to coverage from outlets like FloRacing and On3’s Nick Geddes, has sparked discussions on safety and highlighted both the risks and unpredictability that drivers face with each lap.
The next steps for Love and his team will center on recuperation and careful assessment before a highly anticipated return to competition. As the prestigious Chili Bowl Nationals continues without him, the racing community reflects on the realities of the sport—even its brightest prospects are never far from sudden, turbulent setbacks.
Jesse Love won’t race today after that flip last night: https://t.co/BI3EaYHJq0
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 17, 2026
