Jesse Love, the reigning NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Champion, will join Richard Childress Racing (RCR) for the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series event at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) on Sunday, March 1. The Menlo Park, California native will take the wheel of RCR’s No. 33 C4 Energy Chevrolet for this highly anticipated race, marking another milestone in his rising career and aligning with RCR’s focus on young talent in the premier series.
C4 Energy’s Commitment to Athletic Excellence
C4 Energy® announced it will serve as the primary sponsor for Love’s Cup Series outing at COTA, underscoring the brand’s emphasis on supporting athletes who exemplify relentless ambition and drive. The partnership highlights the synergy between Love’s on-track determination and C4 Energy’s values, with the brand focusing on athletes who continue to push boundaries.
“At C4 Energy, we’re drawn to athletes who embody drive, discipline, and relentless ambition and Jesse represents all of that and more,”
said Robert Zajac, chief marketing officer, C4 Energy.
“He’s a rising star who competes with intensity and authenticity, which aligns perfectly with our brand. We’re especially excited to have him at COTA right here in our own backyard of Austin bringing together speed, performance, and community in a way that feels uniquely C4.”
— Robert Zajac, chief marketing officer, C4 Energy
Love’s Growing NASCAR Résumé
Currently recognized as the 2024 Rookie of the Year, Love is completing his third season driving the No. 2 Chevrolet in NASCAR’s second-tier series. He made his NASCAR Cup Series debut for the Welcome, North Carolina-based RCR team at Bristol Motor Speedway in April 2025, and has since gained five Cup starts in total, each building on his reputation as a determined competitor. This COTA appearance will be one of several Cup races for Love this season under the guidance of experienced crew chief Andy Street.
“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,”
said Love.
“C4 Energy powers me on race days, prep days, and beyond so it’s only fitting that they come along with me for my first NASCAR Cup Series start of 2026. Racing in the Cup Series is my goal and I’m ready to capitalize on these opportunities this season thanks to the strong team behind me at RCR including Richard Childress, Mike Verlander, Danny Lawrence and all the hard-working men and women at the race shop, ECR and CT Spring in Welcome, NC.”
— Jesse Love, defending NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Champion
A Record-Breaking Driver’s Path to the Top
Jesse Love’s ascent through the motorsports ranks began when he became the youngest champion in NASCAR history in 2020, claiming the ARCA Menards Series West crown at just sixteen years old. His dominance was further cemented in 2023, when he captured the ARCA Menards Series championship, winning half the season’s races and demonstrating his consistent ability to outperform the competition. Love’s path highlights not only raw racing talent, but also a maturity and focus that make him a standout among his peers.
RCR’s Enthusiasm for New Talent
RCR President Mike Verlander emphasized the team’s pride in Love’s achievements and its excitement for his upcoming opportunities at the Cup level. The organization has maintained a long-standing commitment to developing emerging talent and partnering with sponsors that share similar values.
“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,”
said RCR President Mike Verlander.
“We’re proud of his development over the past few years and look forward to helping him compete at the highest levels of our sport alongside C4 Ultimate Energy.”
— Mike Verlander, President, RCR
C4 Energy’s Growth and Innovations in the Market
C4 Energy’s parent company, Nutrabolt, stands as the top-selling global pre-workout brand and remains one of the fastest-growing energy drink companies in the country. Recently, Nutrabolt introduced its Frost collection—an innovative new line of products available in three flavors—featuring cans that change color from silver to blue when cold, a distinctive addition aimed at enhancing the consumer experience. This development underlines C4 Energy’s ongoing focus on blending performance with appealing design and technology for its expanding customer base.
The Road Ahead for Jesse Love and RCR
As Jesse Love takes on a select schedule in the NASCAR Cup Series this season with Richard Childress Racing, his partnership with C4 Energy further cements his status as one of racing’s most promising young drivers. Fans and industry observers will closely watch his progress, anticipating further achievements both on and off the track as Love continues his journey toward the top echelon of the sport. The upcoming race at COTA provides a prominent stage for Love, RCR, and C4 Energy to showcase their shared pursuit of performance, innovation, and passion for NASCAR competition.
