Arguably the most important open car in NASCAR free agency this year is the No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford. Josh Berry announced last week that he would not return to WBR in 2027, opening up a top seat with a Penske-affiliated team that is among the most iconic and historic rides in NASCAR.
On the latest episode of “Door Bumper Clear,” NASCAR spotter Freddie Kraft dropped a hint about who its next driver could be.
“I think everybody’s going to love the new driver,” Kraft said, eliciting laughter from his fellow hosts.
Jesse Love linked to WBR No. 21
Defending NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion Jesse Love has been reported as the likely candidate for the seat next season after previously being thought of as the potential third driver at LEGACY Motor Club before Riley Herbst became that ride’s top suitor.
Love, a 21-year-old driver from Menlo Park, California, has three O’Reilly Series victories in 83 starts and is second in the series standings this season through 17 races. He also has seven Cup starts to his credit.
Love has driven for Richard Childress Racing and Chevrolet since 2024 but appears to be on his way out the door at RCR, given that the team turned to Austin Hill to pilot Kyle Busch’s vacant Cup Series car after Busch’s death on May 21. Hill appears to be RCR’s long-term project rather than Love, though Love, 11 years Hill’s junior, has a higher ceiling.
Should Love take over the No. 21, he’d be its sixth driver in a decade, following in the footsteps of Ryan Blaney, Paul Menard, Matt DiBenedetto, Harrison Burton and Berry.