Richard Childress Racing Driver Sweeps Stages and Holds Off Sam Mayer in Thrilling Finish
Jesse Love delivered a dominant performance Saturday night at Phoenix Raceway, winning the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race and strengthening his position in the championship battle. The defending series champion controlled much of the 200-lap event, sweeping both stages before holding off a late challenge from Sam Mayer to secure his second victory of the 2026 season.
Driving the No. 2 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, Love started from the pole and showed speed throughout the evening. His performance earned him 75 points and provided a major boost with only three races remaining in the championship Chase.
Love Controls the Race at Phoenix
Love established himself as the driver to beat early in the race. After earning the pole during qualifying, he backed up that performance by winning the opening stage and the second stage, collecting valuable points while keeping his No. 2 Chevrolet near the front.
Phoenix Raceway can be a difficult track for drivers to navigate, with changing track conditions and the challenge of finding a consistent line around the one-mile oval. Love handled those challenges effectively, leading the field for much of the race and maintaining control through the closing stages.
According to unofficial race results, Love led 157 of the 200 laps. His ability to manage the race from the front made him difficult to catch, although the final laps provided a tense finish.
Mayer Pushes Love to the Limit
Sam Mayer made a late charge and nearly spoiled Love’s night. Mayer fought his way toward the front and challenged for the lead in the closing laps, forcing Love to defend his position until the checkered flag.
Despite the pressure, Love held on to win by just 0.128 seconds. Mayer finished second, while Justin Allgaier, Corey Day and Sammy Smith completed the top five.
The narrow margin made the victory even more impressive, as Love stayed composed under pressure and avoided a costly mistake when the race was on the line.
Championship Picture Changes
Love’s victory also carried major championship implications. He unofficially moved into the points lead, opening a 36 point advantage over Allgaier. Sheldon Creed, who entered the race with a two-point lead over Love, suffered a mechanical problem and finished 32nd, dropping to fourth in the standings.
With Talladega Superspeedway next on the schedule, the championship battle remains far from settled. However, Love leaves Phoenix with momentum, a race victory and control of the points lead.
For the defending champion, Saturday night’s performance was exactly what he needed. Love dominated the stages, survived Mayer’s late challenge and captured a crucial victory as the 2026 season approaches its final races.