Jesse Love definitely has a way with the fans. “Well, I really don’t give a s— what people think. I get a big old trophy. I get a nice check… I’m not somebody that devalues what fans say.” Those were his words after waves of criticism labelled him an ‘illegitimate champion’, with many fans arguing that the winner-take-all playoff format robbed season-long standout Connor Zilisch. Instead of dodging the backlash, the 20-year-old champion treated it as part of the job, acknowledging fans’ opinions without letting the negativity reshape who he is.

That blunt honesty sets the stage for Rising, the new documentary series on YouTube that spotlights NASCAR’s Gen Z talent. The show, set to release on November 17, features a pretty young driver lineup. And Love didn’t hold back on giving a few behind-the-scenes snippets.

Jesse Love pours his heart out for the fans with one goal in mind amid his NASCAR rise

Speaking to Erik Estepp on YouTube, Love revealed what to expect. He said, “So, yeah, I think that me, Raj, and Carson all like want the fan base to see like another side to ourselves and want to like grow the fan base, too, right?”

“I feel like I’ve tried really hard, especially like Twitter is probably the best platform to do it… I mean, me and Connor went to like the fan zone at Charlotte, during the Roval weekend just to like I guess just see people and like walk around and be a fan for the day. Again, we all put a lot of like emphasis into just I guess being connected with the fans. Again, like we’re only here because of them,” the young driver continued.

“So, yeah, there’s some things that I wish they weren’t see. But either way, it’s our story. It’s my story. So, I’m happy that they get to, I guess, see a part of ourselves that, you know, they wouldn’t have if we didn’t have this,” Love said.

It’s no secret that Jesse Love has built a reputation for being unusually accessible for a young driver, with several moments highlighting how he interacts with fans both online and in person. Through his official “Fan Zone,” he invites supporters to request autographed hero cards and stay connected through social channels, showing his intention to keep fans close.

At the track, he was regularly spotted signing autographs in Victory Lane and spending time meeting people on weekends. He’s also had lighthearted fan-facing moments, such as his public banter with his close friend, Connor Zilisch, where he joked about preparing for a “bashing” from Zilisch’s followers after Talladega, interactions that fans find relatable and entertaining.

So why is this important for drivers of this generation? As these young aces navigate their way into the higher ranks of NASCAR, they certainly want to build a reputation for themselves. More than a reputation, being more active with the fans can also lead to more sponsorship deals as they gain popularity.

However, Love has been on either spectrum. With his aggressive driving style, the 20-year-old driver has received criticism, but his honest candor has gained him a following. Add to that his very public friendship with Connor Zilisch.

Moreover, when we look at Carson Hocevar, the 22-year-old driver has set a reputation for himself. The No. 77 Spire Motorsports driver is equal parts controversy-stirrer and down-to-earth fan favorite, known for his aggressive moves and owning his mistakes. From running with a raging Kyle Busch in Atlanta to wrecking Ricky Stenhouse Jr. twice in Michigan and Mexico City, his path has been anything but smooth.

However, when it comes to fans, Carson makes a real effort to be accessible.

In one Reddit-recounted story, he was spotted in a Walmart aisle, where he stopped to shake hands and take a selfie with a young fan, a moment people called unscripted and very real. Fans have long appreciated the maturity in his response, praising him for owning up and learning in front of everyone. And on the same post, they then appeared to give the youngster the benefit of the doubt for his driving flaws.

Moreover, with his sponsorship of Chili’s and his time spent attending fan meet-and-greets, Hocevar understands the importance of fans to the sport. These fan meetings, which embrace an authentic personality, also help attract younger followers, thereby increasing NASCAR’s viewership. However, this docuseries has a deeper meaning.

What is the true purpose of the Rising docuseries?

NASCAR has partnered with Emmy Award-winning studio Words + Pictures to launch Rising, a multi-part documentary series that offers an inside look at the lives of three emerging drivers. Premiering November 17-21 on the NASCAR YouTube channel, the documentary series follows the trio of Hocevar, Love, and Caruth through a pivotal season that defined their climb. The aim is to underscore the sports universe’s push towards bolder, talent-driven storytelling that highlights the high stakes, ambition, and humanity behind its next generation of stars.

And no one understands capturing these real moments better than Aaron Cohen, the Chief Creative Officer of Words + Pictures. “We wanted to strip away the helmets and let viewers meet these young men as people first. They’re competitors, but also sons, friends, and dreamers. RISING gives a raw, unfiltered look at how much heart it takes to make it in NASCAR. YouTube is the natural home for these stories, allowing us to connect these personal journeys directly with the passionate fanbase that already lives on the platform,” Cohen said.

By debuting the new docuseries on YouTube, NASCAR signals a deliberate strategy to expand its reach to a massive digital-native audience on a free, global platform while long-form documentary content continues to thrive. And now, it can be said with certainty that all eyes will be turned to the day of the release.