Brad Keselowski Announces Departure from RFK Racing, Stepping Down as Co-Owner

In a stunning development that has sent ripples through the NASCAR community, Brad Keselowski will depart from RFK Racing at the conclusion of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. The championship-winning driver and influential co-owner has announced his intention to relinquish his ownership stake in the storied organization, signaling an abrupt end to his tenure that began in 2022.

RFK Racing confirmed the news in a statement, indicating that the team and Keselowski "intend to collaboratively and mutually work through the appropriate next steps regarding his existing ownership interest in the organization." The statement further conveyed that the team "supports his desire to explore his career opportunities elsewhere." This amicable, yet significant, separation leaves the future of the No. 6 Ford, piloted by Keselowski, and the team’s broader operational structure open to considerable speculation.

Keselowski’s move marks a departure from his long-standing association with Team Penske, where he achieved his Cup Series championship in 2012 and amassed 35 of his 36 career Cup wins. His decision to join RFK Racing as a driver and co-owner in 2022 was seen as a pivotal moment for the team, aimed at revitalizing its competitive standing and strategic direction.

The ownership landscape of RFK Racing includes legendary car owner Jack Roush and Fenway Sports Group principal John Henry, alongside Keselowski. While the exact details of Keselowski’s ownership divestment remain to be finalized, the team has reiterated its commitment to continued operation under the established ownership groups. "RFK Racing will continue to operate under the ownership of Roush Enterprises, building on Jack Roush’s decades of success in NASCAR, and Fenway Sports Group, a diversified global sports platform," the statement read. "Both ownership groups remain firmly committed to RFK Racing and its long-term success."

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The departure of Keselowski, who has also served as the team’s Head of Competition, necessitates an immediate search for a successor in that critical role. Chip Bowers, President of RFK Racing, acknowledged Keselowski’s significant contributions. "We are big fans of Brad as a person, driver, and colleague," Bowers stated. "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." Bowers added, "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. 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."

In his own statement, released independently, Keselowski emphasized that his departure is not indicative of retirement. The 42-year-old expressed his continued ambition to compete at the highest level of stock car racing. "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. "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."

He continued, "I still have a lot I 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."

Keselowski’s statement arrives at a point in the season where driver market options for 2025 are becoming increasingly limited, adding an element of urgency to his future career considerations. His extensive experience and proven track record make him a sought-after commodity, but the timing of this announcement presents a unique challenge in securing a competitive ride.

As one of NASCAR’s most seasoned competitors, Keselowski boasts over 600 Cup Series starts dating back to 2008. Among active full-time drivers, only Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin have more career starts. His impressive resume includes 36 Cup Series victories, highlighted by triumphs in prestigious events such as the Brickyard 400 and Southern 500 in 2018, and the Coca-Cola 600 in 2020. Beyond the Cup Series, Keselowski is the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series (now Xfinity Series) champion with 39 wins at that level, and he has accumulated a total of 76 victories across all three of NASCAR’s national divisions.

The departure of Keselowski also raises questions regarding the future of the No. 60 charter for Ryan Preece’s car, which RFK Racing is known to be losing. However, the team has previously indicated an intention to field a third, open-entry car if necessary and remains committed to securing a third charter.

The strategic implications of Keselowski’s exit extend beyond the driver’s seat. His role as Head of Competition involved shaping the technical direction and competitive strategy of RFK Racing. The team’s announcement of an immediate search for a new leader in this capacity underscores the significance of this transition.

For RFK Racing, the focus now shifts to navigating the remaining races of the current season with Keselowski at the helm of the No. 6, while simultaneously planning for a post-Keselowski era. The organization, a powerhouse in NASCAR’s history, is committed to building upon its legacy, with Roush Enterprises and Fenway Sports Group reaffirming their long-term investment and belief in the team’s future success. The coming months will undoubtedly be crucial for RFK Racing as they work to secure their driver lineup, solidify their competitive structure, and continue their pursuit of excellence in the NASCAR Cup Series.

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