Didn’t see that one coming.
RFK Racing announced today that they will be parting ways with Brad Keselowski, driver of the #6 car in the NASCAR Cup Series, following the 2026 season. But he’s not just a driver for the team: He’s also a co-owner and the “K” in RFK Racing.
Keselowski invested in what was then-known as Roush Fenway Racing back in 2022, and took over driving duties for the #6 car. Since then, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing has won 7 races, including 5 wins for Chris Buescher in the #17 car, one for Ryan Preece in the #60 earlier this season, and one for Keselowski himself at Darlington in 2024.
The team has struggled to find speed at times over the past couple years, with Keselowski missing the postseason in both 2025 and 2026. And the team was also in the market for a new charter and facing the prospect of having to run one of their three teams as an “open” car next season. RFK Racing had previously been leasing a charter from Rick Ware Racing, but that charter was sold to Legacy Motor Club for 2027, meaning RFK might only have two guaranteed entries in races next season.
Still, the team has continued to insist that they will run all three cars in 2027, whether or not they were able to secure a third charter, and until today it was assumed that all three of their drivers would be returning.
In announcing the departure of their co-owner, RFK Racing President Chip Bowers expressed his appreciation for all that Keselowski has done for the team:
“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. 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.”
The team says that they intend to “collaboratively and mutually work through the appropriate next steps regarding his existing ownership interest in the organization,” so it sounds like the team intends to buy out Keselowski’s ownership of the team as well. And they also confirm that they still plan to field three cars in 2027 and are still in the market for a new charter, though it’s unclear who will fill the #6 car with most of the top drivers off the market. (In fact at this point the top driver on the market is…Brad Keselowski).
For his part, Keselowski says he intends to continue his career with another team in 2027, though he hasn’t yet announced where he’ll be driving next year:
“I’m 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, including at Roush Enterprises and Fenway Sports Group.
So many great people have poured a tremendous amount into the competitive and technical transformation of this team, and I’ll always value the relationships we’ve built, everything we’ve experienced together, and what I learned as a co-owner and as the head of competition.
I’m nowhere near ready to be done as a driver. I still have a lot I want to accomplish in this sport, and I’m looking forward to what comes next.
I’m thankful for everyone who has been part of this journey and for the fans who continue to support me. I look forward to sharing future plans when the time is right.”
Of course it’s possible that Keselowski plans to take his ownership to a new team: Kaulig Racing immediately comes to mind, with the team’s anticipated switch to Dodge. But this late in the season, most teams already have their roster spots locked up for 2027, so there aren’t a ton of rides open.
Still, you’ve gotta think that Keselowski already had plans in place before leaving a guaranteed ride – and a team he co-owns – so I’m interested to see where the 2012 Cup Series champion ends up next.
Talk about a bombshell late in the season.
