Brad Keselowski will no longer drive for RFK Racing after the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, the team confirmed Tuesday. The 42-year-old is in his fifth season as a driver-owner after leaving Team Penske following the 2021 season. It does not appear Keselowski plans to step away from full-time competition after 2026, but it’s unclear where he may land.
“We are big fans of Brad as a person, driver, and colleague,” said RFK Racing President Chip Bowers. “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.”
Keselowski’s Ownership Stake
It has not been officially confirmed whether Keselowski will keep an ownership role at RFK Racing once he departs as a driver. If he raced for another organization, he would join Denny Hamlin in owning one team while competing on-track for another.
Initial reports indicate the split between Keselowski and RFK Racing might possibly be a complete divorce. The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi wrote on Tuesday that Keselowski “will also likely give up his ownership stake. The moves come on the heels of disagreements between Keselowski and the Fenway Sports Group over the direction of the team, according to sources briefed on the matter.”
“RFK Racing and Keselowski intend to collaboratively and mutually work through the appropriate next steps regarding his existing ownership interest in the organization, and the team supports his desire to explore his career opportunities elsewhere,” the team said on Tuesday.
RFK Racing’s Third Charter
Throughout the season there has been speculation about the future of RFK Racing, as the team loses one of its three charters after the 2026 season. The charter held for Ryan Preece’s No. 60 Ford team was leased from Rick Ware Racing, but was sold to Legacy Motor Club for next year.
“RFK Racing remains committed to competing a three-car NASCAR Cup Series organization in 2027 and will continue its active pursuit of a third charter,” RFK Racing said. “The team will announce future plans for the No. 6 team at the appropriate time. The search for a new head of competition, a position previously held by Keselowski, will begin immediately.”
Brad Keselowski’s RFK Racing Tenure
Since joining RFK Racing in 2022, Brad Keselowski has one victory: the spring Darlington Raceway event in 2024. He has a best points finish of eighth in 2023. Though the No. 6 team has shown flashes of race-winning speed, Keselowski has not found the success he enjoyed during his time at Team Penske.
“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,” Bowers continued. “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.”
Brad Keselowski’s Statement
“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,” Keselowski said on Tuesday.
“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 / 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.”
