Brad Keselowski, who has indicated he has several years left in the tank as a driver in the NASCAR Cup Series, will not continue driving for the RFK Racing team, which he joined as a driver/co-owner ahead of the 2022 season. On Tuesday, RFK Racing confirmed that Keselowski and the team have agreed to separate following the 2026 season.
The team thanked Keselowski for his contributions as a driver, owner, and leader within the RFK Racing team over the last five seasons.
“We are big fans of Brad as a person, driver, and colleague. The impact Brad has made on our organization has been felt by everyone associated with RFK Racing; he’s undoubtedly been a terrific representative of our collective efforts both on and off the track,” said Chip Bowers, President of RFK Racing. “He was not simply driving the No. 6 car but investing himself in the future of the team and helping us think differently about what RFK Racing could become. We have tremendous respect for Brad as a champion, competitor, and leader, and we are grateful for the energy and commitment he has brought to RFK. Brad has been clear about his desire to continue competing for years to come, and we respect and support him in pursuing the path that best allows him to achieve those goals. With several races still ahead, we look forward to competing together through the remainder of the season.”
As for Keselowski’s ownership stake in RFK Racing, the team says, “RFK Racing and Keselowski intend to collaboratively and mutually work through the appropriate next steps regarding his existing ownership interest in the organization, and the team supports his desire to explore his career opportunities elsewhere.”
The team concluded its press release by confirming Keselowski would not remain part of the ownership group of the team, as Jack Roush’s Roush Enterprises and Fenway Sports Group will continue to operate the RFK Racing team as owners.
Keselowski’s departure leaves open multiple holes for the RFK Racing team to fill. Not only was Keselowski the driver of the team’s No. 6 Ford, and part of the ownership group of RFK Racing, but since 2022, Keselowski has also served as the head of the team’s competition department.
Prior to Keselowski joining RFK Racing, the team hadn’t won a race in more than four seasons. In the five seasons since Keselowski became the leader of the competition department, RFK Racing has scored seven NASCAR Cup Series wins.
While RFK Racing is seeking a new competition department leader, it’s going to be hard-pressed to find that same level of improvement from Keselowski’s successor.
The team says that it still intends to field three full-time NASCAR Cup Series cars next season, despite only having two team Charters. The team expressed that it is still interested in acquiring another Charter going forward.
