Jesse Iwuji is one of those rare NASCAR stories you can’t help but root for. A U.S. Navy officer, entrepreneur, and team owner, Iwuji has built his reputation on perseverance and passion rather than a trophy case full of wins. Since launching Jesse Iwuji Motorsports with NFL legend Emmitt Smith, he’s championed diversity and opportunity in the garage. His goal? Always inspire others.
After a two-year break from racing, Iwuji surprised many by returning to the Xfinity Series at the 2025 Talladega Ag-Pro 300. Here, he piloted the No. 91 DGM Racing Chevrolet in a special partnership between his own team and DGM. With the odds stacked against him and little recent seat time, Iwuji’s comeback wasn’t just about chasing points. It was about proving that with grit and the right support, you can always find your way back to the track and make an impact.
Jesse Iwuji reflects on challenges at Talladega
Jesse Iwuji’s story from athletics to stock car racing is a special one. He started his career as an elite track and field athlete for the Naval Academy and played football as well! As a talented linebacker, Iwuji represented the Navy Midshipmen in the Army-Navy game in 2008. However, it was in 2006 that he was enamored by stock car racing.
When his team paid a visit to Lowe’s Motor Speedway in North Carolina, Jesse Iwuji and other players rode around the track, and this started his desire to race. In his senior year of college, he started drag racing, and by 2015, he was competing in the Whelen All-American Series, laying the foundation for his racing career. His last race was in 2023 at Daytona, so returning to racing at a superspeedway was perfect for him, and he reflected on his experience after a solid finish at Talladega.
Jesse Iwuji shared insights on what it’s like to race at a superspeedway in a conversation with Frontstretch after the race. “You come to a superspeedway and most people will say, ‘Oh, it’s just a superspeedway, you just hold the pedal down,’” Iwuji said. “It’s not. Once you start getting into the pack and your car starts moving around, you got to still control the car,” he further explained. This movement is caused by the complex interplay of aerodynamics, friction, and pack racing at high speeds. When cars travel in tight groups at over 190 mph, even minor changes in airflow or a slight loss of grip can make the car feel unstable.
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Xfinity Series Nalley Cars 250, Mar 19, 2022 Hampton, Georgia, USA NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Jesse Iwuji during the Nalley Cars 250 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports, 19.03.2022 13:05:36, 17956479, NASCAR Xfinity Series, Nascar, Jesse Iwuji, Atlanta Motor Speedway PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMarkxJ.xRebilasx 17956479
Jesse Iwuji emphasized the focus required regardless of position or pack size, highlighting the intense physical and mental demands of superspeedway racing. “It’s not just like a ‘whatever’ ride. I got to focus, “ he succinctly summarized the Talladega driving experience. At tracks like Talladega, the steep banking of up to 33 degrees and high speeds cause drivers to experience strong lateral G-forces, and the car naturally wants to keep moving in a straight line.
To follow the curve of the track, drivers rely on tire friction and aerodynamic downforce to ‘stick’ the car to the racing surface. Jesse Iwuji’s awareness of the car’s behavior in tight packs shows his growing experience after a two-year absence. The constant adjustments required to manage grip, draft, and car placement are what make superspeedway racing far more than just holding the pedal down.
Staying sharp and smart throughout the race helped him secure a solid finish, which he described as good and fun. Discussing the significance of his result, Jesse Iwuji said, “It’s good for the team, right? It’s good points day.” His 20th-place finish got him 17 points. Similarly, the DGM Racing x JIM team now sits in the 29th position with 147 points.
Overall, Jesse Iwuji’s Talladega return was a positive step forward. His ability to manage the race’s intensity and deliver a strong finish bodes well for his future in NASCAR. As he gains more seat time, fans can expect him to build on this solid foundation. However, another ‘Jesse’ stole the show at ‘Dega on Saturday, but fell just short of the win.
Thrilling action and a dramatic finish
The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Ag-Pro 300 at Talladega Superspeedway delivered intense racing and a nail-biting finish. Austin Hill of Richard Childress Racing emerged victorious after a dramatic final lap incident involving rookie Connor Zilisch. Zilisch, who had taken the lead late in the race, was spun out by his best friend, Jesse Love, and slammed into the inside wall on the last lap. This brought out the caution and froze the field. Hill was declared the winner, narrowly beating Jeb Burton by 0.001 seconds to the checkered flag.
The race featured multiple lead changes and strategic drafting battles. Jesse Love, who started on the pole, dominated early by winning Stage 1 and leading the most laps with 51. Austin Hill responded by capturing Stage 2, showcasing his strength in the superspeedway pack. The race’s middle stages saw fierce competition with drivers like Sheldon Creed, Justin Allgaier, and Matt DiBenedetto mixing at the front.
Throughout the final 20 laps, the lead swapped frequently among top contenders, including Love, Hill, Connor Zilisch, and Nicholas Sanchez. The race’s intensity peaked in the closing laps as drivers battled in tight packs, pushing bump drafting and lane changes to gain an advantage. With just one lap remaining, Zilisch was aggressively defending the lead against multiple challengers. This included Jeb Burton and Jesse Love, resulting in the crash that ended his chances.
Overall, the 2025 Ag-Pro 300 showcased the unpredictable nature of superspeedway racing at Talladega. At venues like these, split-second moves and teamwork can make or break a driver’s day. Hill’s victory was a testament to patience, strategy, and seizing opportunity in one of NASCAR’s most challenging venues.
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