Brad Keselowski’s NASCAR future has become one of the biggest questions heading into 2027.
On September 29, RFK Racing confirmed that Keselowski will leave the organization after the 2026 season, ending his five-year run as the №6 driver, co-owner and head of competition.
The circumstances surrounding the split remain only partly clear. Fox Sports reported that contract negotiations with the RFK board broke down, while RFK’s official announcement did not provide a specific reason for the separation. The team and Keselowski will also work through the future of his ownership stake.
What is clear is that Keselowski does not plan to retire. “I’m nowhere near ready to be done as a driver,” he said after the announcement.
So what could happen next?
Could Keselowski Find Another Cup Series Ride?
This is the biggest question, but the 2027 Cup Series market is already crowded.
The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi reported that there are currently no obvious open Cup seats for Keselowski. However, his availability could force a team to reconsider its plans, particularly if an unexpected vacancy appears.
One possibility is Kaulig Racing.
Kaulig is already working with Ram in the Craftsman Truck Series, while Dodge is exploring a possible return to the Cup Series as early as 2027. Keselowski has an obvious connection to the manufacturer after winning the 2012 Cup championship in a Dodge for Team Penske.
There is also a potential opening at Kaulig, with Ty Dillon’s 2027 status not yet confirmed in the reporting available. Some outlets have therefore linked Keselowski with the organization.
But this remains speculation, not a confirmed deal. Recent reporting from RACER noted that a Keselowski-Dodge reunion should not be ruled out, while also pointing out that the timeline makes an immediate move difficult.
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The Truck Series Could Create NASCAR History
If a Cup opportunity does not materialize, Keselowski could consider dropping down to the Craftsman Truck Series.
The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi reported that conversations are happening regarding a potential full-time Truck Series opportunity for Keselowski in 2027. Whether he actually wants to take that route remains unknown.
There would be a major incentive.
Keselowski already owns a Cup Series championship and an Xfinity Series championship. Winning a Truck Series title would make him the first driver in NASCAR history to win championships in all three national series.
He also has previous Truck Series ownership experience through Brad Keselowski Racing, which helped launch the careers of drivers including Ryan Blaney, Austin Cindric and Chase Briscoe.
What About Penske, Trackhouse or Another Team?
A return to Team Penske is another possibility that has naturally entered the conversation because Keselowski won 34 of his 36 Cup races with the organization, including his 2012 championship. However, there is currently no confirmed Penske deal for 2027.
Trackhouse Racing has also been mentioned in fan and industry speculation, but there is no reliable confirmation that Keselowski is negotiating for the №1 Chevrolet or that Ross Chastain would move to RFK as part of a swap.
The same applies to speculation about Keselowski joining another ownership group or creating a new Cup operation. His experience as a driver-owner makes such a move interesting, but there is currently no confirmed plan for a new team or merger.
For now, the most concrete information points to three broad paths: finding an unexpected Cup Series opportunity, potentially moving to the Truck Series, or waiting for a Cup opening to develop.
What happens to Keselowski’s RFK ownership stake is another piece of the puzzle. RFK has said the two sides will work together on the next steps, while the organization remains committed to operating three Cup cars in 2027 and searching for a third charter.
Keselowski’s next move therefore remains open. But the 2012 champion sai he intends to keep racing.
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