Jesse Love claims first 2026 win at WWT Raceway
Jesse Love secured his first victory of the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts season at WWT Raceway, driving for Richard Childress Racing.
Flag tribute links to Kyle Busch’s final victory
After the win, Love flew a No. 8 flag, a nod to Kyle Busch who achieved his final Cup triumph at Gateway minutes earlier.
Emotional reflections on Busch’s legacy
During the podium interview, the RCR driver opened up about the sudden loss of Busch in May. He had scheduled a call for Busch before the Darlington race, hoping to discuss the track’s nuances, but that conversation never materialized.
Love said the unresolved call weighed heavily on him, calling himself an “emotional person.” He felt especially affected during the Charlotte O’Reilly race, the first after Busch’s death.
Fog smothered the track, and a fluid‑related caution kept cars under yellow for half the race. Ross Chastain led with a right‑side crash, while Love trailed closely. The early finish left Love visibly upset.
He noted that Busch had “never received enough credit for how kind he was.” Love described Busch’s willingness to help others as surprising given no obligation to do so.
With the victory, Love not only crowns his first win of the season but also pays homage to a departed teammate, underscoring the resilience of the racing community.
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