RFK Racing pulled the rug out from under Brad Keselowski, announcing on September 29 they are parting ways and buying him out of his ownership stake, a bombshell that instantly reshaped NASCAR’s silly season landscape. This was a move nobody saw coming, especially with Keselowski being a co-owner, and it just cranked up the drama for 2027.
The Keselowski Bombshell and Bowman’s Exit Plan
Seriously, who saw the Brad Keselowski news coming? RFK Racing president Chip Bowers dropped a statement saying, “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.” He even added that Brad wasn’t just driving the No. 6 car but was “investing himself in the future of the team.” So, they respected his desire to keep competing but are still buying him out? Wild. The team didn’t even say who’d drive the No. 6 next, and Keselowski didn’t announce where he’s going for 2027. Honestly, it doesn’t even look like there’s a ride available for him. Everyone just expected him to be a formality, considering he’s a co-owner. Talk about a curveball!
This Keselowski situation left Alex Bowman as the most high-profile driver without a deal for next year when silly season kicked off. But Hendrick Motorsports cleared that up fast, announcing on July 23 that Bowman would return for next season, with 2027 being his last year before he retires from full-time racing. So, that’s it for Bowman after 2027. And who’s taking his spot? None other than Connor Zilisch, who’s signed with Trackhouse through next season and then heads to Hendrick Motorsports to replace Bowman starting in 2028. The future is always moving, man.
Suárez Locks In and Other Team Moves
Amidst all that drama, Daniel Suárez officially signed his paperwork on October 13, locking him into Spire Motorsports for 2027. Good for him! That’s one less driver to worry about in the rumor mill. It’s a reminder that even with all the craziness, some pieces are falling into place.
Of course, some things are just unpredictable, and the sport took a devastating hit on May 21 with the death of Kyle Busch. That’s a void way bigger than just a seat in the Cup Series. Austin Hill, who’s been driving that car since Busch’s passing, will continue in that ride.
Over at Joe Gibbs Racing, things are looking pretty stable. Barring something completely unforeseen, JGR isn’t expected to make any changes for next year. Ty Gibbs, who’s sitting ninth in the standings, isn’t going anywhere, and Denny Hamlin (second), Chase Briscoe (fourth), and Christopher Bell (third) are all signed beyond this season. The big question for JGR is probably Hamlin potentially retiring from full-time racing after 2027. They’re already eyeing Brent Crews, who drives for them in the O’Reilly Series, as a development driver who could be Cup ready by 2028.
Then there’s 23XI Racing. Corey Heim, who’s already won twice this year on a part-time schedule, is going full-time, replacing Riley Herbst (30th in the standings). Tyler Reddick, sitting seventh, signed a contract extension earlier this year, which is huge. And even though sources said Bubba Wallace, currently 11th, was in an option year, both 23XI and Wallace’s camps have indicated he’s staying put.
So, while some drivers found their spots, the shocker with Brad Keselowski still has the whole sport buzzing. The 2027 grid is starting to take shape, but with Keselowski suddenly looking for a new ride, you know silly season isn’t done with us yet. The race for 2027 got a whole lot more interesting!
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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