Defending NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series champion Jesse Love is expanding his schedule early in this season. He will make his first Cup Series start of the year while reuniting with a primary partner.
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According to a press release, Love will take over the No. 33 Chevrolet Camaro during the trip to Circuit of the Americas. He will pull double duty while competing in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race on Saturday, Feb. 28, and the Cup Series race on Sunday, March 1.
C4 Energy will continue to support Love while serving as the primary sponsor for this Cup Series race. The energy drink brand will showcase a bright orange tropical scheme while Love makes his sixth career start.
Photo credit: Richard Childress Racing
Richard Childress Racing noted that Andy Street will serve as crew chief for this Cup Series race at Circuit of the Americas, as well as several other events on Love's schedule.
"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 and C4 first joined forces at the Cup level last season. The California native made his series debut at Bristol Motor Speedway during the spring.
He then returned to the No. 33 at Texas Motor Speedway, Kansas Speedway, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and Richmond Raceway. C4 served as his primary partner for all of these events. His best finish was 24th at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
This trip to Texas will mark the first time that Love has competed on a road course at the Cup Series level. As an O'Reilly Auto Parts Series driver, he has six top-10 finishes, including consecutive sixth-place finishes at Circuit of the Americas.
"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," Love said.
