feature-image

Imago

feature-image

Imago

Brad Keselowski’s role at RFK Racing is complicated as he not only has to focus on his driving, but also contributes to the operations of the team as the co-owner. In an exclusive interview made possible by Kickstand Cocktails, Keselowski revealed what it was like balancing between being a driver and owner, while also giving a hint about RFK’s future. Even at the age of 42, Keselowski is still proving that he has a lot of racing left in him, but he is not ruling out the possibility of taking the back seat, provided a high-level talent comes through.

Watch What’s Trending Now!

Brad Keselowski puts team before self in bold RFK stance

“I would tell you that I have no interest in holding back RFK,” said Keselowski in his exclusive interview with Essentially Sports. “So, you know, if there was some amazing opportunity for them, and I was the clear barrier to it, then, you know, I would think that of respect to the company and its people, I would do whatever’s best.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Keselowski has openly expressed his wish to race until his late 40s, and he certainly can do that. For the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, RFK Racing fields three full-time Ford Mustangs driven by Keselowski in the No. 6, alongside Chris Buescher in the No. 17 and Ryan Preece in the No. 60.

Among the trio, Keselowski is the most experienced and, no, not just behind the wheel, but also in shaping the team’s direction as a co-owner. That bigger-picture responsibility is where things get interesting. With Ford Performance continuing to invest heavily in its NASCAR driver development pipeline with teams like RFK, the influx of young talent isn’t slowing down.

ADVERTISEMENT

article-image

Getty

The program has already produced names like Chase Briscoe, who rose through the ranks after an ARCA title, and Austin Cindric, who sharpened his skills within the system with Brad Keselowski Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. This indicates that they can produce talent that can drive at the highest level.

ADVERTISEMENT

It is almost certain that the veteran driver is going to be there all along the way, guiding the next generation. This could prove to be not just great for RFK, but also for the drivers coming through, as there is probably no one better for them to get advice from than a Cup Series winner, who has been in the industry for over two decades.

ADVERTISEMENT

While the talent search continues, Keselowski is continuing his brilliance as a driver for RFK. He has had some great races this year, but as the Cup Series heads to Kansas, all eyes are going to be on him to see if he can finally secure his first trip to Victory Lane this year.

Kansas holds the next test

After the chaos and drama of Bristol, the NASCAR Cup Series now shifts its focus to the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway. For Brad Keselowski, it’s a chance to continue the string of brilliant performances he has had this year.

ADVERTISEMENT

In 2025, Keselowski struggled with consistency and finished 20th in the standings. However, the performances have improved this year, and this has helped him to stay 11th after the Bristol race.

Although RFK has shown improvements as a team, it still lacks the speed needed to contend for victories. But with the Cup Series headed to Kansas, they could secure their first win of the year.

ADVERTISEMENT

This is because of Keselowski’s record at the track. He grabbed a dramatic overtime win in Kansas way back in 2019 during his time with Team Penske. Although he had a DNF in 2025 caused by tire failure, Keselowski will be hoping to put on a disciplined racing display to grab a much-needed win in Kansas.

With momentum on their side and a solid baseline already established, Kansas presents more than just another race – It’s a measuring stick and a chance to see if this version of Brad Keselowski and RFK Racing can finally bridge the gap between consistency and contention.

ADVERTISEMENT

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Written by

author-image

Vikrant Damke

1,450 Articles

Vikrant Damke is a NASCAR writer at EssentiallySports, covering the Cup Series Sundays desk with a unique blend of engineering fluency and storytelling depth. He has carved out a niche decoding the Know more

Edited by

editor-image

Godwin Issac Mathew

ADVERTISEMENT