Whelen Engineering, a global leader in emergency warning and signaling solutions for more than 70 years, announced today that it will continue its partnership with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) in 2026. Whelen will return as the anchor sponsor of the No. 2 Chevrolet in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, with driver Jesse Love set to return for his third full-time season with the organization.
“Richard Childress Racing has been an outstanding ambassador for Whelen Engineering,” said Peter Tiezzi, General Manager of Motorsports for Whelen Engineering. “We’re thrilled to extend our partnership and continue making a positive impact in the communities we serve through our racing program. Both Whelen and RCR share a passion for innovation and excellence. Jesse Love has done an exceptional job representing our brand, and we look forward to competing alongside him and RCR for a championship in 2026.”
Since first joining forces with RCR in 2022, Whelen has become one of the most recognizable brands in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, building upon its long-standing success across multiple forms of motorsport. The partnership has also provided a platform to promote causes central to Whelen’s mission, including support for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Whelen has also highlighted key divisions of its business, such as Whelen Aerospace Technologies, through its racing initiatives.
Headquartered in the United States, Whelen Engineering is driven by a mission to protect those who protect others. The company designs, manufactures, and tests its full line of products—from warning lights and sirens to controllers, software, and illumination systems—right here in America, ensuring performance and reliability in the most demanding conditions.
“Whelen’s deep commitment to safety, innovation, and community service makes them a leader in their industry, and we’re proud to continue our relationship,” said Mike Verlander, President of Richard Childress Racing. “Jesse’s professionalism and talent both on and off the track perfectly align with Whelen’s values. Together, we look forward to continued success in 2026.”
Love, the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year, has quickly established himself as one of the series’ rising stars behind the wheel of the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet. The Menlo Park, California native has earned two career Xfinity Series victories, both in the iconic white and red Whelen Chevrolet, and qualified for the NASCAR Playoffs in consecutive seasons. Love enters this weekend’s race at Martinsville Speedway—the final event of the Round of 8—40 points above the cutoff line to advance to the Championship 4 at Phoenix Raceway.
“I’m proud to continue my journey with Richard Childress Racing and Whelen Engineering,” said Love. “Whelen’s commitment to motorsports and safety innovation is unmatched. I’m incredibly grateful to Sonny, Geoff, Peter, and the entire Whelen team for their continued trust in me. Our goal is simple: to win races and bring home a championship for RCR and Whelen.”
