Jesse Love Jr. is set to make his highly anticipated NASCAR Cup Series debut at Bristol Motor Speedway, driving for Richard Childress Racing. He will be joining RCR teammates Kyle Busch and Austin Dillon for this milestone race.
Love began his racing journey at just five years old, competing in quarter midgets and quickly racking up championships across multiple disciplines before turning 10. His rapid rise through the ranks led him to the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2024, where he piloted the No. 2 car for RCR. That season, he finished eighth in the standings and secured the Rookie of the Year title. Now, in the 2025 season, Love has continued to impress, currently sitting third in the standings with one victory and five top-ten finishes.
Excited about his Cup Series debut, Love expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm in a team press release. “Racing in the Cup Series has always been my main goal and dream,” he said. “Everything I’ve done in my career has led to this moment. To make my debut at this level at such a young age is special, and I’m incredibly thankful to RCR for giving me this opportunity. Everyone here has made me feel like family.”
Meanwhile, Kyle Busch remains a dominant force in the Cup Series. The two-time champion, who claimed titles in 2015 and 2019, has amassed 63 career wins. A victory this season while driving the No. 8 Chevrolet for RCR would secure his spot in the playoffs for the 16th time in his career.
Off the Cup Series track, Busch is also gearing up for a lighthearted but competitive race against his son, Brexton Busch. The father-son showdown, known as the “Battle of the Buschs,” took place on March 26 at Millbridge Speedway in Salisbury, North Carolina. The event featured various racing divisions, including 600 Micros, Restricted Micros, Intermediates, and Buggy races. Both Kyle and Brexton have enjoyed past success at Millbridge, each winning championships in their respective divisions.
In an interview with NASCAR analyst Bob Pockrass, Busch playfully teased his son about the upcoming competition. “I’m always competitive, so my main focus will be on racing,” Busch remarked. “Hopefully, I won’t be following a green car. Instead, the green car should be chasing the blue car. Let’s see how it plays out—put your money where your mouth is.”
The highly anticipated race at Millbridge was broadcast on DIRTVision, giving fans the chance to witness the friendly battle between the NASCAR star and his rising son.
