There were rumors that Chris Buescher was a free agent driver who had garnered the attention of some other NASCAR Cup Series teams heading into the 2027 season. However, Buescher will stay put in 2027 and beyond after signing a multiyear contract extension with RFK Racing.
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On Tuesday, RFK Racing officially announced that Buescher was off the free agent market and will remain the driver of the organization’s No. 17 Ford Mustang Dark Horse moving forward. Buescher remains proud to be a driver for RFK Racing, a team that took a chance on him when most others wouldn’t.
“RFK Racing has been home for most of my racing career, and that’s something I don’t take for granted,” Buescher said. “I’ve grown up with this organization, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together over the last several years. The direction we’re heading, the people we have in place, and the commitment throughout the company make me excited about the future. I’m grateful to Mr. Jack, Brad, Fenway Sports Group, and everyone at RFK Racing for their belief in me. I’m looking forward to continuing to chase wins and championships together.”
Buescher, a six-time NASCAR Cup Series race winner, has become a consistent force in the NASCAR Cup Series since moving to RFK Racing’s NASCAR Cup Series program full-time in 2020. When Buescher moved from JTG Daugherty Racing at the conclusion of the 2019 season, RFK Racing, then Roush Fenway Racing, was a team trying to regain its form.
With Buescher’s abilities behind the wheel, the team was able to get back to victory lane at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2022, which was the first win for the organization since the 2017 campaign. Since then, RFK Racing has become a consistent yearly threat to return to victory lane.
“Chris has been a driving force behind the progress we’ve made as an organization over the last several seasons,” said RFK Racing President Chip Bowers. “He is one of the most respected competitors in our sport; his consistency, leadership, and commitment to excellence help set the standard for the organization. Securing Chris for the long term reinforces our belief in where this organization is headed and our commitment to competing for race wins and championships for years to come.”
Jack Roush, who took a chance on Buescher as a full-time driver in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2014, was rewarded with a series championship the following season. After bringing Buescher home in 2020, Buescher has brought the famed Roush organization five more victories in the NASCAR Cup Series ranks.
Roush, a NASCAR Hall of Famer, is proud of the driver and person that Buescher has become.
“Chris has been part of this organization for most of his professional career, and there is a tremendous amount of pride in seeing what he has become,” said team founder and co-owner Jack Roush. “He is an exceptional driver, but just as importantly, he is the kind of person who makes our organization stronger. His work ethic, intelligence, and commitment to our success have earned the respect of everyone at RFK Racing, and we’re proud that his story with us will continue.”
Brad Keselowski, who took over as a part-owner of the RFK Racing team in 2022 and drives the team’s No. 6 Ford, says as a driver, Buescher is the teammate you always hope for, and as an owner, he’s the driver you dream of.
“Chris is everything you want in a race car driver and teammate,” added Brad Keselowski, co-owner and driver at RFK Racing. “His talent behind the wheel speaks for itself, but what really separates him is his professionalism, preparation, and commitment to making everyone around him better. He’s been instrumental in the progress we’ve made as an organization, and we’re excited to continue building toward our goals together.”
Through 16 races in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, Buescher ranks seventh in the championship standings. There are 10 races remaining until the start of the “Chase for the Championship”. The top-16 drivers in the standings will battle it out over the final 10 races for the championship, and at this point, Buescher looks like a safe bet to make it to The Chase.
