“I credit a lot of it is to Austin Hill.” Despite winning the Daytona 500 in the Xfinity Series, Jesse Love remained humble about his success. Having been referred to as the ‘speedway merchant’, especially after his Talladega victory last year, Love played it cool after winning the Great American Race. However, it seems along his way to victory, he might have damaged things with his best friend on and off the track, Daniel Dye.

After an early crash put Daniel Dye out of the Daytona 500, the driver blamed Jesse Love’s aggressive antics as the reason behind his crash.

Early drama might lead to broken friendships

Jesse Love may have won the race, but his aggressive driving early on led to the first major crash of the afternoon. On Lap 5, Love made contact with Brandon Jones. He ended up bumping the No. 20 car from behind. The right-rear touch caused Jones to lose control. Eventually, it started a chain reaction with the tightly packed grid running two-wide. The crash had major consequences, collecting multiple drivers, including rookie Connor Zilisch, Harrison Burton, Brennan Poole, and Daniel Dye.

Unfortunately for Jones and Dye, their cars were too damaged to continue, forcing both drivers to retire early—a frustrating way to begin their Xfinity Series campaigns. What made it even more disappointing was the fact that Love and Dye are close friends who often train together.

Speaking of how this move from Love was a shock, Dye said, “Jesse is kind of pushing real hard on Brandon there the whole time, and once Brandon checks up and I run over to you guys in front of him. He gets turned. I mean, Jesse is pushing real hard. It’s just not the time for that, and I think Jesse knows that, and he probably feels worse after he wrecked two of the guys that he works out with.” He further added, “Yeah, yeah, it’s like lap five. I ran more laps in and practice yesterday. So, um, sit on this CW there, you hear the guys in the Iracing lobbies tell you, you can’t win on the first lap.”

Dye had originally started in the 12th position but, due to the accident, finished in 38th place. For Dye, having to lose out on a Daytona 500 finish was heartbreaking, especially after his 27th-place finish in the race last year set up a track to success this year. Love, to his credit, addressed the move in the post-race interviews, sending out an apology to Brandon Jones, and a cheeky remark about his amiable relationship with Dye. 

He said, “It very easily could have been my fault, and if it was, then I apologize to the 20 because obviously I don’t want to be that guy that starts wrecks. It could have very easily been my fault, and if it is I’ll talk to Brandon and apologize to him, and Daniel will probably yell at me when we get home anyway.” It’s this banter and understanding that defines Love and Dye’s relationship. They work together in the off-season, both like-minded about their goals and the dedication it will take for them to achieve them.

As for Jesse Love, things weren’t going to be easy for him for the rest of the race.

Trending

1

“I’d Have Smacked Him”: NASCAR Veteran Sends a Strong Message to Defend Dale Earnhardt Jr. Against Fans’ Hate

2

Roger Penske’s Final Hopes Slipping Away as NASCAR Fans Prepare for Honda

3

NASCAR Rumors: $41B Japanese Giant to Outrun Dodge to Become NASCAR’s 4th Manufacturer Days After New Reports

4

Rick Hendrick Accused of ‘Burying’ Ross Chastain’s Real Persona as Fans Insinuate Trackhouse’s Exit From Chevy

5

Pressured by Brad Keselowski, Roger Penske Spills Truth on Reviving Joey Logano’s NASCAR Career

Love becomes emotional after Daytona win

Although Love wrecked Dye out of the contention, he faced a brutal attack late into the race. Three restarts and three times drivers tried to break Jesse Love’s lead, but all of it was in vain. Love held his nerve defending against Sheldon Creed with 18 laps to go, he knew he was going to win the race. And what a moment it would be. Just as he crossed the finish line, fireworks went off just as other cars in the field wrecked behind him.  

To add to that, becoming the second youngest driver to mark his position, Jesse Love was at a loss for words. Love dominated the latter part of the race, leading 30 of the 126 laps, including the final 18. His control at the front proved crucial, as he stayed ahead of the chaos behind him which finally led to a dramatic overtime victory. 

Speaking of how he feels at the moment, Jesse said, “I’m at a loss for words. It’s Daytona. I always cry here when they do the National Anthem. I’m star struck. Once Love claimed his hard-earned victory, he put up an extensive blowout which exhibited how hard he had fought for the top clench. He further added, “I am so out of breath…. Just thankful to the good lord for this position. So many people have helped me to get to this point… Bummer what happened to the 21.”

While Love was able to mark his position, fellow teammate and three-time champion Austin Hill just could not make it due to engine trouble. Regardless, Love’s emotional victory proved that while Daytona can be a battlefield of chaos and heartbreak, for those who endure, it becomes a place of unforgettable triumph.