Jesse Love Clinches NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship at Phoenix
Phoenix Raceway, Arizona – Jesse Love secured the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship on Saturday night, capping off an impressive season where he also won the opening race at Daytona. The 20-year-old from California triumphed over the season’s standout driver, Connor Zilisch, to claim his first championship title.
Love seized the lead with 24 laps to go on the mile-long Phoenix circuit, overtaking Zilisch who had accumulated ten wins throughout the season. Veteran Aric Almirola, who had also passed Zilisch, closed the gap but could not catch Love, who finished with a margin of 0.861 seconds.
Emotion filled the air as Love exited his No. 2 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet to celebrate. After performing celebratory donuts on the track, he embraced his father, Duke, capturing the heartfelt moment. Love concluded the season with two victories, nine top-five finishes, 22 top 10s, and four poles.
“I just feel so clean and relieved. It’s been a tough year,” Love said. “People like my dad and my whole team worked just as hard for my dream as I have.”
Love’s victory was bittersweet for Zilisch, who finished third but earned Rookie of the Year honors. He achieved a record 18 consecutive top-five finishes this season.
“Nothing to hang our heads about,” Zilisch stated. “We had a heck of a year. This is just going to sting a little bit.”
Amidst the celebration for Love, Aric Almirola marked a personal milestone as well, securing an Owners Championship for Joe Gibbs Racing, where he achieved three wins in his part-time role across 17 races.
“It’s a team effort,” Almirola noted. “I’ve never won a championship. This is my first championship.”
Justin Allgaier and Carson Kvapil, the other championship eligible drivers, finished fifth and 13th respectively. Allgaier led the race with 83 laps but lost the lead following a pit stop with 50 laps remaining.
“Love did all the right things. They rose to the occasion and we didn’t,” Allgaier remarked.
Finish Positions:
- Jesse Love (RCR No. 2)
- Aric Almirola (JGR No. 19)
- Connor Zilisch (JR Motorsports No. 88)
- Brandon Jones (JGR No. 20)
- Justin Allgaier (JR Motorsports No. 7)
- Taylor Gray (JGR No. 11)
- Sheldon Creed (Haas Factory Team)
- Austin Hill (RCR No. 21)
- Justin Bonsignore (JGR No. 47)
With this championship, Love sets the stage for a promising future in NASCAR, while Zilisch’s rookie performance solidifies his potential as a rising star in the series.
