RFK Racing and Brad Keselowski have announced they will part ways after the conclusion of the 2026 NASCAR Cup season, surprising many in the motorsport community. Although Keselowski is a co-owner of the team, his ownership status is now uncertain, with RFK stating they plan to work together to determine the next steps concerning his stake. The team supports his wish to explore new career opportunities outside the organization.
Keselowski, who spent the bulk of his career with Team Penske, joined RFK Racing in 2022 as both a driver and part-owner. The team is also co-owned by Jack Roush and John Henry, but their intentions for the No. 6 car in the 2026 season remain unclear. While RFK is losing the charter for Ryan Preece’s No. 60, they have previously expressed a desire to continue running it as a third entry if possible, and they are actively pursuing a new charter.
Chip Bowers, President of RFK Racing, praised Keselowski highly, emphasizing the positive impact he has had on the team, both on and off the track. Bowers noted Keselowski’s dedication not just as a driver of the No. 6 car, but as a visionary invested in the team’s future. Respecting Keselowski’s ambition to keep competing in NASCAR, Bowers expressed support for his decision to seek opportunities elsewhere and looks forward to racing together through the remainder of the season. The announcement also revealed that RFK will immediately start searching for a new head of competition, a role Keselowski previously held.
Keselowski is one of NASCAR’s most experienced drivers, nearing 642 Cup starts since his debut in 2008. Among active full-time drivers, only a few have been competing as long, with Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin having more races. He boasts 36 Cup wins, including notable victories at the 2018 Brickyard 400, Southern 500, and the 2020 Coca-Cola 600. Additionally, Keselowski was the 2010 NASCAR O’Reilly Series champion with 39 wins at NASCAR’s secondary level, totaling 76 wins across all three national series.
In his own statement, Keselowski clarified that he is not retiring and plans to continue racing. However, given the late timing in the season, his options for new rides may be limited.
Fan Take:
This unexpected split between Keselowski and RFK Racing shakes up the landscape for one of NASCAR’s most seasoned drivers and his team. For fans, it signals a potential shift in team dynamics and driver lineups that could impact the competition and excitement in the Cup Series moving forward.
Source: www.motorsport.com
