On Tuesday Morning, Roush Fenway Racing officially confirmed that 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Champion Brad Keselowski, would be joining the championship-winning organization in a unique capacity, serving as both a driver and a partial team owner of the operation moving forward.
Keselowski has purchased a minority ownership stake in the race-winning organization, which will see him serve as a partial team owner of the organization in the long-term, while also serving as the head of the team’s brand-new competition committee. In joining the organization, the 37-year-old will take over the driving duties of the organization’s flagship No. 6 Ford Mustang full-time in 2022.
“I’m truly excited about this partnership with Brad,” said team owner, Jack Roush. “I think it will bring a lot to the organization, from not only Brad’s ability behind the wheel, but a rejuvenation and fresh perspective across our teams. I’ve had the opportunity to watch Brad for a number of years, as he has fought and clawed his way up the ladder, molding himself into a champion and one of the top drivers in our sport. I’ve always admired his resolve and determination. I’m very pleased that he has chosen to be a part of our organization and I’m proud to partner with him moving into the future.”
The organization was founded by Jack Roush in 1988 and has since become one of the most successful teams in the history of NASCAR’s National Series, amassing 325 victories across NASCAR’s top-three series and accumulating eight championships, including back-to-back NASCAR Cup Series titles in 2003 and 2004.
“We are thrilled to have Brad on board. In the short amount of time that we’ve been around him, you can see some of the same traits in Brad that are the common blend with both Jack Roush and John Henry,” said Fenway Sports Group executive vice president, corporate strategy and general counsel Ed Weiss. “Brad has a relentless desire to compete and win and that fits in perfectly with our core objectives across all of the properties at Fenway Sports Group.”
Keselowski has been a constant contender at NASCAR’s highest levels for over a decade, accumulating 35 NASCAR Cup Series victories over the course of his career, which also includes championships in the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series. As a model of consistency, Keselowski has qualified for the playoffs consecutively for nearly a decade.
“I am thrilled to be able to share the news about this next venture with my fans, peers, and the industry,” said Keselowski. “This presents an opportunity to continue my on-track success with a strong team and a long-term commitment, but also dive into my passion of team ownership where I know I can be an asset to the future of the team. I am optimistic about what Jack, John and I can accomplish together, especially with a new era for our sport on the horizon (with the Next Gen car). Our goal is to win races and compete for championships at NASCAR’s top level, and we plan to do just that.”
Initial reports of the move surfaced on May 18, when Jim Utter of Motorsport.com broke news that Keselowski was considering a partial ownership stake with Roush Fenway Racing. About a month later on June 25, Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal reported that the organization had completed the deal with Keselowski, and had told the team’s partners.
The Rochester Hills, Michigan-native has fielded a team in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in the past, launching the career of many current NASCAR Cup Series drivers, including Ross Chastain, Tyler Reddick, Chase Briscoe and Austin Cindric.
In the press conference, Steve Newmark confirms that the team had looked at running three cars next season, but ultimately decided to remain as a two-car operation in 2022. Speaking with Ryan Newman – as recently as yesterday — Newmark mentions that Ryan Newman hasn’t decided on his plans for next season.
Roush Fenway Racing will provide additional details on the organization’s driver lineup, partners and other team assets at a later date.
To stay up to date on all the latest silly season news, rumors, etc, visit TobyChristie.com’s 2022 NASCAR Cup Series Driver | Team Chart:
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