From Menlo Park to the NASCAR Cup Series: Jesse Love’s Journey Continues
Some moments in racing feel inevitable.
After years of watching Jesse Love win races, break records, and collect championships at every level of the sport, today's announcement that he will join Wood Brothers Racing and drive the iconic No. 21 Ford Mustang in the NASCAR Cup Series beginning in 2027 feels like the next chapter in a story that has been years in the making.
For many fans, Jesse's rise may seem fast.
For those who have watched the journey from the beginning, it has been built through countless hours of hard work, sacrifice, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to becoming the best driver possible.
Long before he became a NASCAR champion, Jesse was already proving he was something special. From Bandoleros to USAC competition, Midgets, Late Models, ARCA, and NASCAR, he has consistently done one thing throughout his career: win.
Love arrives in the NASCAR Cup Series with one of the most impressive résumés of any young driver in recent memory. Throughout his racing career, he has captured championships at nearly every step of the development ladder, establishing himself as one of the sport's premier young talents.
His accomplishments include championships in USAC HPD competition, the MAVTV 51FIFTY Jr Late Model Series, the BCRA Midget Series, the INEX Road Course World Championship, back-to-back ARCA Menards Series West Championships, the ARCA Menards Series Championship, and most recently the 2025 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Championship. More importantly, each title represented another step in a journey that has been defined by preparation, consistency, and a relentless desire to improve. Along the way, Love became the youngest driver in history to win a NASCAR-sanctioned championship, a record that signaled what many in the industry already knew—he was destined for bigger stages.
But statistics only tell part of the story.
What has always separated Jesse is his professionalism, maturity, and willingness to learn. While his talent behind the wheel is undeniable, those who know him best understand that his success has been built just as much by his work ethic, preparation, and commitment away from the racetrack.
Now, he will take the next step by joining one of the most historic organizations in all of motorsports.
Founded in 1950 by Glen and Leonard Wood, Wood Brothers Racing is NASCAR's oldest active team and one of the most respected names in the sport. The legendary No. 21 has been driven by many of NASCAR's greatest drivers, including David Pearson, Cale Yarborough, A.J. Foyt, Dale Jarrett, Neil Bonnett, Mark Martin, Bill Elliott, Buddy Baker, Junior Johnson, Fred Lorenzen, and numerous other Hall of Famers and champions.
In fact, 20 of NASCAR's Greatest Drivers have driven for Wood Brothers Racing, helping establish a legacy that spans more than seven decades and more than 100 victories at NASCAR's highest level.
Beginning in 2027, Jesse Love's name will be added to that list.
With the support of Team Penske and Ford Performance, he will have the opportunity to compete on NASCAR's biggest stage while carrying one of the most recognizable numbers in the history of the sport.
Wood Brothers Racing President Jon Wood believes Love is ready for that opportunity.
“Jesse has accomplished a lot at a young age,” Wood said. “He’s demonstrated the ability to win races, compete for championships and handle the expectations that come with racing at a high level. We’re looking forward to giving him the opportunity to take the next step in his career with the No. 21 team.”
For everyone who has supported Jesse throughout his journey—from family, friends, sponsors, race teams, and fans—today's announcement is a reminder that dreams built through hard work, perseverance, and belief can become reality.
The destination may be the NASCAR Cup Series, but for Jesse Love, the journey is far from over.
In many ways, it is just beginning.
For Love, the announcement represents the realization of a dream he has been chasing since childhood.
“Words can’t describe what it means to me to realize this dream I’ve had for as long as I can remember,” Love shared. “I am so grateful to every single person who has had a hand in my journey from the time I was 5 years old to now. This is for those people who have pushed me and helped me. Thank you to the Wood Brothers, Team Penske, and Ford for their belief in me starting in 2027.”
While today's announcement is certainly worth celebrating, those who know Jesse understand his focus has already shifted back to the race track.
The NASCAR Cup Series will come soon enough.
Right now, the mission remains unchanged: win races, contend for another NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series championship, and continue preparing for the opportunity that awaits in 2027.
If history is any indication, the next chapter of Jesse Love's career may be his biggest yet.
— Rod Wortham
Founder & CEO
Race Face Brand Development
