Jesse Love had dreamed of winning at Daytona since he was a kid. But when he took the checkered flag at the 2025 season-opening Xfinity Series race, the 20-year-old could barely process what had just happened. In a dramatic overtime finish, Love avoided a massive wreck and crossed the line first, securing his second career Xfinity win. The young driver, overcome with emotion, was at a loss for words in his post-race interview.

“It’s Daytona. I always cry here when they do the National Anthem. I’m star-struck,” he told the media. It was a raw, emotional moment. The kind that defines a young driver’s career. With that win, Love didn’t just make a statement—he put the entire Xfinity Series field on notice. The victory also locked him into the Xfinity Playoffs early, setting the stage for a strong 2025 season with Richard Childress Racing (RCR).

Winning at Daytona is always special, but it was just the beginning for Love. His breakout performance caught the attention of NASCAR’s biggest names, and now, he’s getting his shot at the highest level. In a major announcement, RCR confirmed that Love will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut in the coming weeks!

Richard Childress graduates his young lads!

Richard Childress Racing has officially announced that Jesse Love will make his first NASCAR Cup Series start in the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. He will pilot the No. 33 C4 Ultimate Energy Chevrolet, marking a significant milestone in his rapidly rising career. Love has been one of the standout young drivers in NASCAR, and now, he gets the ultimate opportunity to prove himself on the sport’s biggest stage.

“Racing in the Cup Series has always been my main goal and dream. Everything I have done up to this point has been building to this moment. To make my debut at this age is very special, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to do it with RCR. Everyone has welcomed me with open arms over the last year, and the organization feels like family,” Love said in a statement.

For Love, this moment is the culmination of years of hard work, a rapid rise through the ranks, and an unwavering belief in his abilities. At just 20 years old, he will face one of the toughest short tracks in NASCAR, but Richard Childress believes he’s ready. Notably, Love’s path to the Cup Series has been nothing short of impressive. He became the youngest champion in NASCAR history when he won the ARCA Menards Series West title at just 16 years old!

In 2023, he dominated the ARCA Menards Series, winning half the races and clinching the championship. His success carried into the Xfinity Series, where he won Sunoco Rookie of the Year in 2024 after securing 1 win, 7 top-5 and 18 top-10 finishes, outstanding statistics for a rookie. His rapid rise through the ranks made him a natural choice for RCR’s No. 33 Cup car. Love now joins his teammate Austin Hill as RCR debutants in the Cup Series, as the latter made his debut under Childress’s wing at Michigan in 2022.

RCR Chairman and CEO Richard Childress had high praise for Love’s talent and work ethic. “From the moment I started watching Jesse race, I knew he had the passion and ability to win. We’ve seen him develop over the past year, and I look forward to helping him compete at the highest level of our sport,” Richard Childress said in a statement. Love’s start to the 2025 season, after his recent ROTY honors, was not short of spectacular. The driver, who turned 20 just this past January, has an average finish of 6.8 across six races this season! Five top-10 finishes and a win to his name, along with a pole position in the only race he didn’t get a top-10 (Atlanta). However, Love now faces his biggest challenge yet—competing against NASCAR’s best at Bristol.

The short track demands intense racing and creates a high-pressure atmosphere. It’s the perfect test for a young driver. Love won’t be alone in this challenge. He is now the second confirmed driver for RCR’s No. 33 Chevrolet in the Cup Series this season, as Austin Hill will also compete in five Cup races, starting at Darlington on April 6. RCR is using the No. 33 car as a proving ground for young talent. It gives drivers valuable experience at NASCAR’s highest level.

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Is RCR Preparing for a Future Without Kyle Busch?

Richard Childress Racing’s recent moves suggest a shift in priorities. With Jesse Love and Austin Hill both getting Cup opportunities, it’s hard to ignore what’s happening within the organization. The timing is especially interesting because Kyle Busch is in the final year of his contract with RCR. Busch has yet to find consistent success since joining RCR in 2023. His 64-race winless streak continues, and his frustration has been evident.

The two-time Cup series champion’s performance at Homestead-Miami was a low point, where he qualified 22nd and finished 32nd. Even Busch himself acknowledged that his team had “missed the setup” and was just trying to salvage the day. Adding to the speculation, Busch recently reflected on his 20-year NASCAR career and hinted at the possibility of retirement. “Not that I want it to be over or think I’m close to being done, but whatever happens, happens,” Busch said. His vague comments have left many wondering if RCR is preparing for life after Busch.

With Busch’s contract expiring and his performance declining, RCR has every reason to look ahead. The team has already started giving opportunities to younger drivers like Austin Hill and now Jesse Love. Hill’s five-race Cup schedule and Love’s debut at Bristol suggest that RCR is testing potential future full-time Cup drivers. If Busch’s struggles continue and he decides to step away, Love or Hill could be in line to replace him.