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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – In a significant move that signals a blend of established legacy and burgeoning talent, Wood Brothers Racing announced Wednesday that they have signed Jesse Love to pilot their iconic No. 21 Ford Mustang in the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season. The agreement comes as Love, currently a dominant force in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, prepares to make his mark on the sport’s premier division.
Love, a 21-year-old phenom, has rapidly ascended through the NASCAR ranks, showcasing a prodigious talent that has captivated observers. His breakout year came in 2023 when he dominated the ARCA Menards Series, securing ten victories in twenty races en route to the championship. This success served as a springboard to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, where he has continued his winning ways with Richard Childress Racing (RCR). Since transitioning to the O’Reilly Series, Love has accumulated three wins and clinched the 2025 championship.
His transition to the Cup Series has already begun, with seven starts under his belt with RCR. While still gaining experience at the highest level, Love has demonstrated flashes of his potential, with a best finish of 24th in last year’s Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He is currently positioned second in the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championship standings, underscoring his continued competitiveness.
The announcement marks a pivotal moment for both Love and Wood Brothers Racing, a team steeped in NASCAR history. Founded in the early 1950s by the Wood brothers, the organization boasts a remarkable 101 NASCAR Cup Series wins, a testament to their enduring presence and success in the sport. Driving the No. 21 is a coveted opportunity, with a lineage of legendary drivers having occupied the seat, including David Pearson, Cale Yarborough, and more recently, Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney.
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"Driving the No. 21 for Wood Brothers Racing is truly an honor," Love stated in a release issued by the team. "This team has played such an important role in NASCAR history, and the drivers who have sat behind the wheel of this car are some of the greatest our sport has ever seen. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone at Wood Brothers Racing, Team Penske, and Ford Racing for believing in me – I’m excited to get to work, continue learning from the people around me and compete at the highest level."
The partnership with Wood Brothers Racing, which is aligned with Team Penske and supported by Ford Racing, signifies a strategic investment in future success. Team Penske’s extensive resources and technical expertise are expected to provide Love with a robust platform as he navigates the demanding Cup Series schedule.
Love will ultimately succeed Josh Berry, who has been the driver of the No. 21 for the past two seasons. Wood Brothers Racing confirmed that they will be releasing Berry from his contract after the 2026 season, a decision that Berry acknowledged he was not entirely surprised by. His departure opens the door for Love’s highly anticipated arrival.
Jon Wood, president of Wood Brothers Racing, expressed his optimism about the new pairing. "Jesse has accomplished a lot at a young age," Wood commented. "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."
Richard Childress Racing, Love’s current team, released a statement acknowledging his contributions and wishing him well. "Richard Childress Racing is appreciative of Jesse Love’s contributions during his three seasons with our organization and wishes him nothing but success in the future," the statement read. "Jesse is a talented racer, and we are proud to have played a role in his development into a NASCAR champion. All parties remain aligned and committed to defending the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championship in 2026."
This commitment to the 2026 O’Reilly Series championship indicates that Love will complete his current season with RCR before transitioning his full focus to the Cup Series program with Wood Brothers Racing in 2027. The team’s decision to secure Love so far in advance of the 2027 season underscores their long-term vision and confidence in his potential to become a consistent championship contender.
Love’s journey to the NASCAR Cup Series is marked by a consistent upward trajectory. His ARCA dominance was characterized by aggressive driving and a knack for finding victory lane, traits that have translated to success in the more competitive O’Reilly Series. His ability to adapt to different racing environments and his mental fortitude in high-pressure situations have been noted by industry insiders.
The affiliation with Ford Racing also provides a strong manufacturing backing for Wood Brothers Racing. Ford has a rich history in NASCAR, and their continued support through the Cup Series program is vital for teams seeking to remain competitive. Love will be joining a manufacturer with a proven track record in the series, aiming to add to their legacy.
The 2027 season will see Love join a competitive Cup Series field. His development over the next two years in the O’Reilly Series will be crucial in preparing him for the increased demands and intensity of the top-tier NASCAR series. The Wood Brothers, with their deep understanding of the sport and their collaborative efforts with Team Penske and Ford, are positioning themselves to provide Love with the best possible environment for success.
This signing represents a significant investment in the future of Wood Brothers Racing and a clear statement of intent regarding their aspirations in the NASCAR Cup Series. As Jesse Love continues to hone his skills and build his resume, the anticipation for his debut in the iconic No. 21 in 2027 is sure to grow within the NASCAR community. His proven track record of success and his evident potential suggest that he could be a formidable force in the years to come.
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