Love gets NASCAR Cup Series call-up with Wood Brothers for 2027

Jesse Love will move into the NASCAR Cup Series beginning next season with Wood Brothers Racing.

The reigning O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion will be the next driver of the No. 21 Ford Mustang. Love will replace Josh Berry, who revealed last week that he had been informed he will not be back in the car in 2027.

Love will be the team’s third driver in six years.

“Driving the No. 21 for Wood Brothers Racing is truly an honor,” said Love. “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.”

Berry took over the car from Harrison Burton, who succeeded Matt DiBenedetto. Paul Menard and Ryan Blaney also spent time behind the wheel, dating back to 2016 when Wood Brothers Racing returned to the series in a full-time capacity.

The organization will continue its alliance with Team Penske and Ford.

Love has had a rapid and successful ascent through the racing ranks. He won the ARCA Menards Series West championship at 16 years old, followed by the ARCA Menards Series championship. In 2024, he was crowned the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series rookie of the year, and a year later, the series champion.

Love has made seven Cup Series starts to date with Richard Childress Racing, whom he currently competes for in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

“Jesse has accomplished a lot at a young age,” said Jon Wood, president of Wood Brothers Racing. “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.”