Jesse Love will join the NASCAR Cup Series grid for the upcoming race at Circuit of the Americas in Austin on March 1, as part of a new partnership with Richard Childress Racing and C4 Energy. The highly anticipated appearance marks another significant step for Love, as he builds toward a future in the sport’s top ranks and continues his momentum from championship seasons in lower divisions. The Jesse Love NASCAR Cup Series move is set to feature the Menlo Park, California native driving the No. 33 Chevrolet, guided by crew chief Andy Street.
Love to Run with C4 Energy and Richard Childress Racing in Austin
Richard Childress Racing recently announced that Jesse Love, the reigning O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion and 2024 Rookie of the Year, will compete in select NASCAR Cup Series events this year. His first race of 2026 will be at Circuit of the Americas, a notable road course in Austin, Texas, with sponsorship from C4 Energy. This outing is one of several planned top-level starts for the 21-year-old racer, as he gains crucial seat time and experience at NASCAR’s pinnacle event.
Love shared his enthusiasm for racing with a familiar sponsor and making his initial 2026 Cup Series start at COTA.
“C4 Energy has been with me throughout many major moments in my career and I’m excited for them to be showcased on the No. 33 Chevrolet when I make my 2026 Cup Series debut next weekend at Circuit of the Americas,”
Love stated. As the driver takes another step into the spotlight, he affirmed his commitment to excelling on stock car racing’s biggest stage.
“Racing in the Cup Series is my goal and I’m ready to capitalize on these opportunities this season.”
–Jesse Love, NASCAR driver
Building a Rapid Ascendancy Through Stock Car Racing
Love’s scheduled appearance at COTA demonstrates a consistent upward trajectory. Entering his third full-time campaign in NASCAR’s secondary division with Richard Childress Racing, he continues to attract attention for his strong results. After emerging as the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion and securing Rookie of the Year honors in 2024, Love now seeks to translate that success to the Cup Series level. His first Cup Series start with RCR took place at Bristol Motor Speedway in April 2025, and he now holds five Cup starts entering this season.
Prior to national series competition, Love set records in developmental circuits. At just 16, he captured the ARCA Menards Series West championship in 2020, becoming one of the sport’s youngest title-winners. He later dominated the ARCA Menards Series in 2023, claiming victory in half of the season’s events en route to another championship, reaffirming his reputation as a rising star. The rapid development now positions him as a driver to watch in the Cup Series, especially with Richard Childress Racing backing his ascent.
Strong Support from Team and Corporate Partners
Team leadership at Richard Childress Racing views Love as a key investment for the future.
“Jesse Love is a talented racer who has consistently proven himself with strong on-track performance and an off-track demeanor that appeals to fans and partners,”
RCR president Mike Verlander said.
“We’re proud of his development. We look forward to helping him compete at the highest levels of our sport.”
–Mike Verlander, RCR president
The partnership also carries special meaning for C4 Energy, whose headquarters are located in Austin.
“We’re especially excited to have him at COTA right here in our own backyard,”
said Robert Zajac, chief marketing officer at C4 Energy.–Robert Zajac, C4 Energy CMO
For Love, each Cup Series opportunity is more than a race—it’s a chance to prove himself for a full-time future at the top tier. As he progresses, the Austin road course event promises to be a valuable experience in front of passionate fans and critical team partners, pushing him another step closer to becoming a fixture in the Cup Series field.
Looking Toward a Promising Future at NASCAR’s Top Level
Jesse Love’s scheduled appearance in the Cup Series at Circuit of the Americas marks a pivotal moment in the young driver’s career. With previous championships in the ARCA Menards Series West and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, plus consistent improvements in national touring series, Love’s story reflects the determination of NASCAR’s next wave of elite drivers. Backed by Richard Childress Racing, supported by crew chief Andy Street, and energized by C4 Energy, he heads into Austin seeking both immediate results and the long-term goal of securing a permanent place among racing’s best.
As the event approaches, the motorsport community will watch closely to see how Love fares against a deep field of experienced Cup drivers. His journey from Menlo Park prodigy to Cup Series hopeful continues, and his progress at COTA may influence opportunities for future starts, sponsor commitments, and ultimately, his place in NASCAR’s highest echelon.
