Chris Buescher Commits Future to RFK Racing with Multi-Year Contract Extension

Concord, NC – RFK Racing has secured a significant portion of its driver lineup for the coming seasons, announcing a multi-year contract extension for Chris Buescher, who will continue to pilot the No. 17 Ford Mustang. This agreement solidifies Buescher’s position within the organization he has been a part of for over a decade and underscores the team’s confidence in his abilities and future potential.

Buescher, 33, first joined Roush Fenway Racing’s driver development program in 2009, a relationship that has spanned a significant portion of his professional racing career. His tenure with the team includes a NASCAR O’Reilly Series championship in 2015, marking an early success that foreshadowed his progression through the ranks. To date, Buescher has accumulated nearly 400 starts in the NASCAR Cup Series, achieving six victories. Of these wins, five have come under the RFK Racing banner, highlighting his crucial role in the team’s recent resurgence. He has been the full-time driver of the No. 17 Ford since the 2020 season, consistently demonstrating his capability on track.

Reflecting on the extension, Buescher expressed his deep connection to the organization. "RFK Racing has been home for most of my racing career, and that’s something I don’t take for granted," Buescher stated in a release provided by the team. "I’ve grown up with this organization, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together over the last several years. The direction we’re heading, the people we have in place, and the commitment throughout the company make me excited about the future. I’m grateful to Mr. Jack, Brad, Fenway Sports Group and everyone at RFK Racing for their belief in me. I’m looking forward to continuing to chase wins and championships together."

Buescher’s current performance has placed him as a key figure in RFK Racing’s competitive landscape. With ten races remaining in the regular NASCAR Cup Series season, he stands as the sole RFK driver currently positioned within the playoff picture, holding a strong seventh place in the championship standings. His contribution to the team’s recent successes is undeniable, accounting for five of RFK’s last six Cup Series victories. Notably, his 2023 season, which saw him secure three wins, matched a benchmark not achieved by a Roush driver since Matt Kenseth’s performance 14 years prior. This consistent winning form has re-established RFK Racing as a consistent contender.

Related News :

Team founder and co-owner Jack Roush commented on Buescher’s re-signing, emphasizing the driver’s integral role in the team’s evolution. "Chris has been part of this organization for most of his professional career, and there is a tremendous amount of pride in seeing what he has become," Roush remarked. "He is an exceptional driver, but just as importantly, he is the kind of person who makes our organization stronger. His work ethic, intelligence and commitment to our success have earned the respect of everyone at RFK Racing, and we’re proud that his story with us will continue."

Brad Keselowski, co-owner of RFK Racing and a teammate to Buescher, echoed these sentiments, highlighting Buescher’s impact both on and off the track. "Chris is everything you want in a race car driver and teammate," Keselowski stated. "His talent behind the wheel speaks for itself, but what really separates him is his professionalism, preparation and commitment to making everyone around him better. He’s been instrumental in the progress we’ve made as an organization, and we’re excited to continue building toward our goals together."

The extension comes at a pivotal moment for RFK Racing, which has seen a significant upward trajectory in performance since Keselowski joined the ownership group and as a driver in 2022. The team has invested heavily in its technical infrastructure and personnel, aiming to return to its historical status as a championship-contending organization. Buescher’s continued presence provides a stable and proven foundation for these ambitions. His ability to consistently perform at a high level, coupled with his team-oriented approach, aligns with the strategic goals set forth by Roush and Keselowski.

Buescher’s career arc with RFK Racing is a testament to a sustained developmental partnership. His early success in lower NASCAR series provided a clear indication of his potential, and his transition to the Cup Series has seen him mature into a formidable competitor. His driving style, characterized by calculated aggression and strategic awareness, has been particularly effective on various track types, from short tracks to superspeedways. This versatility is a key asset for any team vying for consistency throughout a demanding 36-race schedule.

The No. 17 team, under the leadership of crew chief Matt McCall, has demonstrated strong chemistry and execution in recent seasons. McCall and Buescher have worked collaboratively to optimize the Ford Mustang’s performance, leading to several high-profile victories and consistent top-ten finishes. The continuity provided by Buescher’s contract extension will allow this partnership to further develop and build upon its existing successes. The team’s performance in 2023, marked by Buescher’s three wins at Richmond, Michigan, and Daytona, showcased a renewed competitiveness that RFK Racing aims to build upon in the current and future seasons.

Looking ahead, Buescher and the No. 17 team will focus on solidifying their playoff position and contending for the championship. The remaining ten races of the regular season will be crucial for accumulating points and gaining momentum. The recent performance gains by RFK Racing, bolstered by Buescher’s renewed commitment, suggest that the organization is poised for continued success. The team’s strategic direction, which emphasizes strong driver-team synergy and continuous technical improvement, appears to be yielding tangible results. The extension of Buescher’s contract signifies a long-term vision that prioritizes stability and sustained competitiveness within the highly competitive NASCAR Cup Series.

The NASCAR Cup Series season continues with upcoming events at various iconic tracks, presenting further opportunities for Buescher and RFK Racing to showcase their capabilities. The team’s ongoing development, coupled with Buescher’s proven track record, positions them as strong contenders for future race wins and a potential championship challenge in the years to come. This multi-year agreement ensures that the familiar No. 17 Ford will remain a prominent fixture on the Cup Series circuit for the foreseeable future, driven by a driver who has become synonymous with the RFK Racing legacy. The commitment from Fenway Sports Group, a minority owner of RFK Racing, also signals continued investment and strategic support for the team’s long-term objectives.