Jesse Love, the defending champion of the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, is set to embark on his first NASCAR Cup Series start of 2026, driving the No. 33 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Richard Childress Racing at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) on March 1.
The Menlo Park, California-native will have the support of long-time sponsor C4 Energy in what is scheduled to be the first of “several” NASCAR Cup Series starts for the 21-year-old driver in 2026.
NEWS: C4 Energy® to sponsor Jesse Love in the NASCAR Cup Series at Circuit of the Americas this March.
For more information, please visit https://t.co/MagVYvAJQv pic.twitter.com/WZO7J6JICn
— RCR (@RCRracing) February 20, 2026
“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.”
Love is currently in the midst of his third full-time season competing in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, where he pilots the No. 2 Whelen Engineering Chevrolet Camaro for Richard Childress Racing.
Last April, Love made his NASCAR Cup Series debut for the Welcome, North Carolina-based organization at Bristol Motor Speedway, driving the No. 33 C4 Energy Chevrolet. Since then, the rising star has recorded five starts at NASCAR’s top-level with a best finish of 24th at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (driving for Beard Motorsports).
So far, Love, this season, is also scheduled to compete at Talladega Superspeedway in April with sponsorship from 1-800-PACK-RAT.
“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.”
In two NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), Love has recorded a pair of sixth-place finishes in back-to-back seasons. Last March, Love led six circuits around the road course en route to a sixth-place finish.
“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.”
Love started the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series campaign with a solid run at Daytona International Speedway, finishing in ninth-place after running inside the top-two with t
