Driver and co-owner Brad Keselowski had reason to celebrate entering September, with Ryan Preece’s win in the regular-season finale at Daytona earning RFK Racing a second spot in The Chase. Now, Keselowski’s time with RFK is reportedly about to end thus creating uncertainty regarding both his and the team’s future.
Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic reported Tuesday that Keselowski will no longer drive for RFK Racing following the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. Furthermore, the veteran is expected to be giving up his ownership stake with the team. Both sides have since confirmed the separation.
Related: Brad Keselowski Voices Frustrations with Ford Over Radio
Keselowski and the Fenway Sports Group, which also owns a stake in RFK, reportedly had a falling out. The disagreement centered on the “direction of the team” and with the sides unable to see eye to eye, the 42-year-old has decided to move on.
It’s a stunning development for a team whose 2027 plans seemed locked in just a few weeks ago. Keselowski was already under contract for next season and the team signed Chris Buescher to an extension in June and Keselowski announced in July that Preece would remain with the team in 2027.
However, one of the three full-time drivers would have to run in an open car next season. That’s because the third charter that was being leased from Rick Ware Racing was sold to the Legacy Motor Club beginning in 2027. Riley Herbst will become Legacy’s third full-time driver next year.
Related: Insider Reveals Potential Cost of a NASCAR Cup Series Charter
Regarding RFK’s plans for next year, Bianchi reported that the team will field Buescher and Preece as its two full-time drivers next season but plans for Keselowski’s vacant seat in the No. 6 car haven’t been determined.
In a statement, RFK Racing confirmed the split and said it “remains committed” to running as a three-car Cup team in 2027. The two sides are also working through Keselowski’s ownership stake, meaning the K will likely be removed from the team’s name by next year.
“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. RFK Racing remains committed to competing as a three-car NASCAR Cup Series organization in 2027 and will continue its active pursuit of a third charter. 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.”
RFK Racing statement on split with Brad Keselowski (via JaySki.com)
As for Keselowski, his future in the NASCAR Cup Series is undetermined but Bianchi wrote that it’s “likely” the veteran will find a role in some capacity with another team. As of now, however, there isn’t a full-time Cup seat available for 2027.
The specifics of the dispute between Keselowski and the Fenway Sports Group are unknown. However, he did recently voice his frustrations with the manufacturer Ford, and there is speculation about the relationship with co-owner Jack Roush. Either way, Keselowski’s NASCAR future is unclear, and there will now be questions moving forward about the Fenway Sports Group’s level of financial commitment to fielding a Cup Series team that is capable of competing for wins and spots in the Chase.
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