Jesse Love, a rising NASCAR star, was involved in a frightening crash during the Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa, ending his aspirations in the highly anticipated dirt racing event. The incident has drawn attention from across the racing world, as Love, a top prospect, withdrew from the competition for medical evaluation and will not return this year.
Chili Bowl: The Pinnacle of Dirt Racing
The Chili Bowl has become the ultimate goal for dirt racers in the United States, standing alongside globally renowned competitions such as the Daytona 500, Indianapolis 500, Monaco Grand Prix, and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Since its inception in 1986 at the Tulsa Expo Center, starting as an event with only 57 entries, the Chili Bowl has expanded into a weeklong festival attracting more than 400 competitors vying for the coveted Golden Driller trophy. Notable figures like Tony Stewart, Christopher Bell, and Kyle Larson have all etched their names into the event’s storied history.
Jesse Love’s Return and Sudden Setback
At age 21, Jesse Love of California has long held aspirations at the Chili Bowl. After time spent honing his skills on dirt tracks before breaking into the NASCAR circuit—where he captured the 2025 O’Reilly Auto Parts series championship—Love built his reputation as one of auto racing’s brightest young talents. Following a hiatus from the Chili Bowl in 2025, he made a determined return to Tulsa in pursuit of victory this season.
However, while competing in a qualifying race on Friday night, Love endured a dramatic accident. His midget car launched skyward, flipping three times as he finished sixth, before ultimately landing upright on the track. Love was able to climb from the vehicle under his own power, but was subsequently transported for additional medical checks, effectively ending his run at this year’s event.
“𝐒𝐋𝐎-𝐌𝐎 📹 Jesse Love went for a wild ride after crossing the finish line sixth Friday at the #ChiliBowl. 😲 #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/QS2dDgIetE” — FloRacing (@FloRacing)
Ongoing Safety Concerns and Resilience in Dirt Racing
The Chili Bowl format now features qualifying races throughout the week, culminating in intense heat races and a grand finale. The dangers inherent in dirt racing are well recognized by seasoned drivers such as Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell, both of whom are already qualified for the Saturday night main event and have themselves experienced high-stakes crashes in the past.
Fox Sports reporter Bob Pockrass confirmed on Saturday morning that Jesse Love would not continue in the Chili Bowl following his accident, with no immediate update available regarding his condition. This development has sent ripples through the NASCAR and dirt racing communities, highlighting both the risks competitors face and the high level of resilience required in the sport.
What Lies Ahead
While the hope remains that Love’s accident may be the last serious incident of the weekend, the unpredictable nature of dirt racing means such occurrences are not uncommon. The 2026 Chili Bowl continues in Tulsa with its main event, but Jesse Love’s abrupt exit serves as a sobering reminder of the sport’s hazards and the courage of drivers who pursue racing’s biggest achievements. The Chili Bowl and the NASCAR world alike will watch for further news on Love’s recovery and future ambitions.
𝐒𝐋𝐎-𝐌𝐎 📹 Jesse Love went for a wild ride after crossing the finish line sixth Friday at the #ChiliBowl. 😲 #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/QS2dDgIetE
— FloRacing (@FloRacing) January 17, 2026
Jesse Love won’t race today after that flip last night: https://t.co/BI3EaYHJq0
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 17, 2026
