In NASCAR’s storied history, the most memorable rivalries have often been accompanied by equally compelling friendships. From the legendary relationship between Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Michael Waltrip to the modern-day camaraderie of Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott, these relationships have given fans something to cherish beyond the track.

Now, a new chapter is being written at Rockingham Speedway, where Jesse Love’s heartbreaking disqualification after crossing the finish line first became the unlikely foundation for what fans are calling NASCAR’s most endearing new bromance.

The backdrop for this friendship’s latest chapter was the North Carolina Education Lottery 250, where Love seemingly captured his first non-superspeedway victory after a chaotic race featuring 14 cautions and two red flags. His masterclass in fuel management led to 53 laps at the front and what appeared to be a hard-fought win. It all started when Love went for an overtake on rival Sammy Smith in an overtime restart.

It was a glorious move down the inside, as the #2 of Love barreled down the track while Smith could just watch helplessly. Celebrations erupted, Love was ecstatic, but wait, the tale isn’t complete. Because of an error with the rear suspension found during inspection, Love was disqualified for violating rule 14.14.2.1, handing Smith the win.

As Xfinity Series director Eric Peterson explained, “All mating surfaces between the truck trailing arms and the u-bolt saddle must be in contact with each other at all times,” a requirement Love’s No. 2 Chevy failed to meet, relegating him from victory to 37th place.  Amidst all that, Love’s close friend Connor Zilisch had a tasty zinger waiting for him.

Taking to social media, Zilisch wrote, “P13 and P38,” poking fun at his friend. Love promptly replied, “I hate you.” Among competing teams for different positions in track competition, these young drivers have formed genuine relationships that evoke the friendly spirit NASCAR drivers had decades ago. Both drivers establish an authentic bond because they enjoy sharing humorous moments while making friendly jokes at each other’s expense within the challenging Xfinity Series environment. This all sparked by Connor Zilisch’s playful three-word jab: “P13 and P38.”

What makes them click? “You know, for me as an 18-year-old, it’s really tough for me to relate to kids my age, right? Nobody? It’s very rare that there’s an 18-year-old who’s kind of taken on a professional career and, um, really busy, and you know, every day is full of meetings, and, um, you know, it’s a different lifestyle, and kids my age find it hard to understand, so, um, that’s kind of where Jesse and I can relate,” Zilisch explained.

And it’s not just Zilisch who finds Love to be a good friend.

NASCAR Nation Embraces Love-Zilisch Dynamic

“Not gonna lie, I’m starting to really like Jesse, seems like a good kid, races pretty clean (rare for rich kids coming up through Venturini nowadays) and seems to get on well with a lot of the other drivers, which is usually a good sign among the kids,” observed one fan on social media, highlighting what makes Love stand out among his peers. Love’s ability to race competitively while maintaining respect has earned him admirers beyond his raw talent behind the wheel.

Another fan pointed to both drivers as a reason for optimism: “Even if NASCAR doesn’t work out for SVG, I’ve found the drivers that will keep me following the sport in Zilisch & Love. Been really impressed with their attitudes towards racing, very competitive, and they both seem very eager to learn wherever they can.” While SVG’s string of failing performances has fans questioning his place in the sport, his work with Red Bull brought Zilisch forward, something the young driver has been vocal about. And he’s showing what he can do, alongside Love. Despite being among the youngest in the Xfinity Series, their racing awareness and professional demeanour have distinguished them from competitors with significantly more experience.

The potential both drivers possess hasn’t gone unnoticed either. One enthusiastic supporter encouraged Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s prospect: “You need to convince your higher-ups to let you win in one of the Cup road courses before your birthday. It will be your last best chance to become the youngest Cup winner in NASCAR history.” With Joey Logano currently holding the record for youngest Cup Series winner at 19 years and 35 days, fans are already envisioning opportunities for these young stars to make history at the sport’s highest level.

“Might be the best bromance in the sport right now,” declared another fan, while others noted that “Jesse’s friendship with Connor is probably going to bring fans to him (so long as CZ stays popular too).” These observations underscore the marketing potential their friendship carries. In a sport constantly seeking to attract younger audiences, the authentic connection between Love and Zilisch – complete with shared napping habits that even left Dale Earnhardt Jr. bemused (“FFS, why do y’all kids need so many naps?“) – provides NASCAR with exactly the kind of relatable personalities needed to bridge generational gaps. As both drivers continue to develop on track, their off-track friendship may prove equally valuable to NASCAR’s future, giving fans reason to believe that the sport’s next great rivalry might also be its next great friendship.