Jesse Love avoided chaos to win the United Rentals 300 at Daytona, marking a thrilling start to the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season.
This race marked the beginning of the 44th season of the Xfinity Series and was filled with excitement, drama, and fierce competition among a field of 38 drivers.
Jesse Love – driving the No. 2 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing – capitalized on overtime after leading the final 18 laps to win the United Rentals 300, marking his second career victory in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Love’s performance was particularly impressive given the chaotic nature of the race, which featured a total of 20 lead changes and eight caution flags. His ability to navigate through late-race incidents and maintain his composure under pressure proved crucial as he crossed the finish line first.
The race took a dramatic turn with just two laps remaining in regulation when a multi-car wreck unfolded on the backstretch. JR Motorsports’ Connor Zilisch was turned around by his teammate Justin Allgaier after a late block from Sheldon Creed.
This incident brought out the caution flag and set up a single overtime attempt that would ultimately determine the race winner.
In the final moments of the 120-lap race, Jesse Love found himself at the front of the pack when the caution flag waved on the last lap solidifying his lead and ensuring his victory.
“So many people have helped me get to this point,” said Love after making his celebratory burnouts. “Not sure what happened to the No. 21 (teammate Austin Hill) tonight, but he was really dominant tonight.
“We’re working on changing our culture here at RCR. We’re winners, we know we are and we really want to win a championship for Richard Childress.
“I’m ready to go to [the next race at] Atlanta now.”
Defending champion Austin Hill faced disappointment as he attempted to win his fourth consecutive NASCAR Xfinity Series season-opener at Daytona. Hill had an impressive start to the race, winning both Stage 1 and Stage 2 while leading a total of 56 laps.
However, his hopes were dashed due to a mechanical issue that forced him to retire from the race on lap 82. Hill’s early exit resulted in a disappointing 33rd-place finish, ending his streak of success at this event.
“Such a bummer, we had such a fast Chevrolet,” Hill said. “Everybody at RCR and ECR did a great job building this race car.
“We showed we were the dominant team again getting the stage wins there. I just wish that we could have lost this race on our terms, not from a mechanical failure.
“I’d almost rather get turned on the backstretch on the white flag lap and end up on my lid than have it end like this. This one is going to sting a little bit, but we have Atlanta next week and I feel like we’re going to be good all year long in 2025.
“I feel really good about this team.”
Meanwhile, Jesse Love was followed closely by Haas Factory Team Ford’s Sam Mayer who finished in second place. Mayer’s strong performance throughout the race kept him competitive, but he ultimately could not catch Love in the closing laps.
Mayer’s teammate Sheldon Creed followed third place, showcasing a solid effort from Haas Factory Team this season. Carson Kvapil and Taylor Gray rounded out the top five finishers both delivering commendable performances in their respective vehicles.
Harrison Burton finished sixth, while Jordan Anderson, Dean Thompson, Jeremy Clements, and Patrick Emerling completed the top ten positions adding to the excitement of the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season opener.
Several other rookies and series newcomers also experienced challenges during the race. Connor Zilisch, William Sawalich, and Christian Eckes were all involved in an accident with three laps remaining in regulation, ending their chances of a strong finish.
As teams prepare for their next challenge at Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250 on February 22, fans are eager to see how the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season unfolds.
