Hold up, NASCAR fans, because the rumors just got real. Brad Keselowski isn’t coming back as a driver for RFK Racing after this season, the team he actually co-owns. What? Yep, those contract talks with the RFK Racing board, which felt like a formality given his stake in the team, totally broke down. RFK Racing just dropped the bomb that they’re parting ways with Keselowski once the season wraps up.
The Driver’s Seat is Empty, But Keselowski Isn’t Done
Let’s get this straight: the 2012 Cup champ joined this team in 2022, not just as a driver, but as a co-owner of Roush Fenway Racing. That move was supposed to give him more say over competition decisions, more control over how the team operates. But now? He’s out as a driver. Keselowski himself put out a statement saying, “I’m nowhere near ready to be done as a driver.” He added, “I still have a lot I want to accomplish in the sport, and I’m looking forward to what comes next.” You gotta respect that fire. The man’s still got the drive, even if it won’t be in the No. 6 car for RFK.
Ownership Riddle and RFK’s Future on the Track
Here’s where it gets wild: Keselowski doesn’t have a controlling interest in RFK, and the team statement basically said they’re gonna try to buy him out. Roush Industries and the Fenway Sports Group, the R and F in RFK, are taking the reins. RFK Racing stated they “intend to collaboratively and mutually work through the appropriate next steps regarding his existing ownership interest.” They even backed his desire “to explore his career opportunities elsewhere.” The big question mark now is what happens with the No. 6 car and the team’s charter situation. RFK only has two charters for next season, and they originally planned to run one of their cars as an “open car.” But the team statement then said they’ll “remain a three-car organization.” Does that mean they’ll run a third car part time, or are they getting a third charter somehow? This whole situation is a massive puzzle piece for the team’s future.
Keselowski’s run at RFK saw them improve, though Team Penske has largely remained the top Ford team. He snagged just one victory in his five seasons with the squad, that coming at Darlington in 2024. Meanwhile, his teammates, Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece, both made The Chase this year. Keselowski, at 42 years old, has 36 career wins, with a whopping 34 of those coming during his Team Penske days from 2010 to 2021. He said he’s “incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished at RFK over the past five years and grateful for the people I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside.” It’s a bittersweet exit, for sure.
So, what’s next? Keselowski is clearly looking for a new ride, and RFK Racing has to figure out their ownership structure, the No. 6 car, and how to maintain their three-car operation without their co-owner and driver. This offseason just got a whole lot more interesting for NASCAR.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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