As the silly season is taking shape, Richard Childress Racing has found itself in the spotlight again after Kyle Busch's passing. A FOX Sports insider has suggested that a legal issue may stand between Jesse Love and his dream of a Cup Series seat. 

According to FOX Sports insider Bob Pockrass, “If the car continues to have sponsorship from alcohol, T**, and nicotine pouches, that could require a driver who is 25 or older, as those companies typically want someone who doesn’t look close to being underage.”

Up until now, 2025 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Champion Jesse Love looked to be one of the strongest contenders to take over the second Cup Series car.

But considering Love is just 21 years old, sponsorships related to alcohol, nicotine, and T** on the car might not be a good look.

Sponsors are concerned with the potential backlash they might receive from the public for having someone close to the legal age as their spokesperson.

This is where Noah Gregson could play a role. The 27-year-old has a long-standing sponsor in Bass Pro Shops that could play a huge role in getting the seat. He also meets the sponsor's criteria of being at least 25 years old to run the car legally.

But this signing will only be possible if Front Row Motorsports pushes Gregson out of the team. 

After Busch’s untimely death on May 21, the North Carolina-based team has been faced with the question of who will take over the second car for the upcoming season. Currently, Austin Hill drives the No. 33 entry. 

As of now, nothing has been confirmed as Richard Childress Racing continues to hold its cards close to its chest. Heading into Michigan, Hill will continue his duties with the team.  

Austin Hill to Continue Driving for RCR at Michigan

Richard Childress Racing's O’Reilly driver will be back driving the renumbered No 33 car at Michigan. He took over the at Charlotte after Kyle Busch’s sudden demise earlier that week. 

This won’t be Hill's first start at Michigan. He has previously raced at the track twice in the cup series. The No 33 driver drove in 2022 when he made his debut with RCR and finished the race in 18th, and in 2023, he drove for Beard Motorsports. 

In the two starts so far at Charlotte and Nashville, Austin Hill has finished the race in 27th place. Considering he has had prior experience driving at the track in a Cup car, it will be interesting to see how he performs. 

As Hill continues to drive the No 33 for another weekend, the question remains of who will take over the car for the upcoming season. 

Follow the RFK Racing Digest for more updates!

Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit