Jesse Love to drive Wood Brothers' No. 21 at 2027 Daytona 500

Jesse Love will join Wood Brothers Racing in 2027, driving the No. 21 Ford Mustang in the NASCAR Cup Series. His first scheduled race with the team is the 2027 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Love, 21, from Menlo Park, California, is the 2025 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion and is currently second in the standings as he pursues a second straight title. He has already made seven Cup starts.

Love’s climb to the Cup Series has included a win in the ARCA Menards Series West at age 16 and the 2023 ARCA Menards Series championship, which made him the youngest champion in series history. He also earned 2024 Rookie of the Year honors in the O’Reilly series.

Wood Brothers Racing president Jon Wood said Love has shown the ability to win races, compete for championships and handle pressure against elite competition, and said the team is excited to help him take the next step in his career. Love called the opportunity an honor and referenced the team’s legacy in NASCAR history. Wood Brothers Racing is NASCAR’s longest-running active team, reached 100 premier-series wins in 2025, and has a technical alliance with Team Penske and support from Ford Racing.