Brad Keselowski’s RFK Revolution: A Three-Car Gamble That Could Redefine NASCAR
When Brad Keselowski joined Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing (RFK) as a co-owner in 2022, the team was widely viewed as a relic of NASCAR’s past. Fast-forward two years, and RFK Racing is not only thriving but also preparing for its boldest move yet: launching a third full-time car for the 2025 season. As RFK crew chief Scott Graves revealed in a recent SiriusXM NASCAR Radio interview, the journey to this milestone has been anything but smooth.
From Struggles to Success: The RFK Rebuild
Keselowski’s vision for RFK was crystal clear from the outset—revive the team, make it competitive, and aim for victories. However, as Scott Graves explained, achieving that vision required relentless effort.
“Brad’s been very, very open in talking about his desire from the very beginning when he got here in 2022… they wanted it to be a three-car team,” Graves shared. “It probably didn’t happen fast enough for him, but I think, in terms of our growth, it’s on target.”
The turnaround didn’t come overnight. Keselowski’s first season as co-owner-driver was rocky, with only one top-5 finish. But by 2023, the tides began to shift. RFK racked up five wins and 31 top-5 finishes over two seasons, with Keselowski and teammate Chris Buescher transforming the team into a serious contender.
Graves credited this success as the foundation for RFK’s ambitious expansion:
“We had improved performance over the last couple of years… [that] put us in a position to expand to a third team like that. Obviously, it’s a big challenge… to keep that level of performance and not let that third team slow you down.”
The Key Partnerships Powering RFK’s Expansion
RFK’s growth wouldn’t have been possible without strategic partnerships. Their collaboration with Rick Ware Racing has provided critical resources like charters, cars, and pit equipment. Graves highlighted the importance of these alliances, noting:
“It’s exciting to see that kind of growth and what we’ve been able to do here.”
In 2024, RFK tested the waters by introducing the #60 car as a part-time entry. The move was a calculated step to evaluate expansion without disrupting the performance of the #6 and #17 cars.
Ryan Preece: RFK’s New Bet
Heading into 2025, RFK’s third car will feature Ryan Preece as its full-time driver. Preece’s 2024 season showcased his potential, with five top-10 finishes, including a standout fourth place at Nashville. However, inconsistency plagued his year, leaving lingering questions about his ability to deliver results.
The addition of Preece comes with significant financial backing. His partnership with Kroger, worth $20 million in sponsorship, is a game-changer for RFK. For Preece, this opportunity represents redemption after the collapse of Stewart-Haas Racing, his former team.
“You’ve got to work your way into it with the talent particularly and take care of… even the capital that it takes to do it,” Keselowski emphasized.
Keselowski’s Leadership and Buescher’s Challenge
While Keselowski’s leadership off-track has been transformative, his on-track performance remains equally impressive. In 2024, he broke a three-year winless streak with a victory at Darlington Raceway and secured nine top-5 finishes. His resurgence as a driver reinforces his dual role as a leader and competitor.
Meanwhile, Chris Buescher struggled to replicate his standout 2023 season, where he clinched three wins and finished 7th in the standings. With only one win and a disappointing 17th-place finish in 2024, Buescher will need to bounce back in 2025.
If Preece lives up to his potential and Buescher regains his form, RFK could field a formidable three-car lineup that shakes up the NASCAR Cup Series.
RFK’s Bold Future
The decision to expand to three cars isn’t just a numbers game—it’s a statement of intent. Keselowski’s strategic vision, Graves’ technical expertise, and Preece’s hunger for redemption create a compelling formula for success. However, as Graves acknowledged, the road ahead won’t be easy:
“It’s something to keep that level of performance and not let that third team… slow you down. But something that you can build off of and keep that momentum going.”
As RFK gears up for 2025, the stakes are higher than ever. With calculated risks and unwavering ambition, Brad Keselowski is steering RFK into uncharted territory. The next chapter in this racing revival promises to be one for the history books.
