Brad Keselowski to depart RFK Racing at end of 2026 season

Key points

• Keselowski will not return to RFK Racing as a driver after the 2026 season, marking the end of a five-year partnership that began in 2022.
• The split is attributed to failed contract negotiations between Keselowski and the RFK Racing board.
• RFK Racing intends to buy out Keselowski's ownership stake, with Jack Roush and Fenway Sports Group retaining control of the team.
• Keselowski, 42, stated he is 'nowhere near ready to be done as a driver' and plans to continue competing, though he has not announced a new team.
• RFK Racing will begin an immediate search for a new head of competition, a role previously held by Keselowski.
• The team remains committed to operating as a three-car organization for 2027, despite losing the charter for Ryan Preece's No. 60 car.

Background

Keselowski joined RFK Racing in 2022 as a driver and co-owner after spending the majority of his career with Team Penske. He also served as the team's head of competition, a role he is now vacating. His departure comes late in the 2026 season, with several races remaining. Keselowski is one of the most senior drivers in NASCAR, with over 600 Cup starts dating back to 2008 and 36 total Cup wins. His only win with RFK came at Darlington in 2024. The team's other primary owners, Jack Roush and John Henry (via Fenway Sports Group), have expressed commitment to the team's long-term success.

How outlets are covering it

Motorsport.com and Fox Sports both report that the split is amicable, with RFK President Chip Bowers praising Keselowski as a 'champion, competitor, and leader.' Fox Sports notes that Keselowski's contract negotiations broke down, a detail not explicitly mentioned in Motorsport.com's coverage. Both outlets confirm that Keselowski is not retiring, though Motorsport.com emphasizes the limited options available to him late in the season. NASCAR.com's coverage is limited to a headline confirming the departure, while ESPN's source was inaccessible due to a 403 error. All sources agree that RFK will continue as a three-car team and that Keselowski's ownership stake will be bought out.

Why it matters

Keselowski's departure marks a significant shift in the NASCAR Cup Series landscape, as he is one of the sport's most experienced and successful drivers. His exit from RFK Racing, a team he helped transform, could impact the competitive balance in the series. The team's decision to retain a three-car operation despite losing a charter suggests a commitment to maintaining its competitive presence. Keselowski's search for a new team will be closely watched, as his experience and reputation could influence the 2027 driver market. The split also highlights the evolving dynamics of team ownership and driver relationships in NASCAR, particularly as teams navigate charter changes and competitive strategies.

What to watch

RFK Racing will begin an immediate search for a new head of competition and a driver for the No. 6 car for the 2027 season. Keselowski will continue racing with RFK through the remainder of the 2026 season before departing. The team will finalize the buyout of Keselowski's ownership stake, with Jack Roush and Fenway Sports Group retaining control. Keselowski has not announced a new team but has indicated he will share future plans when appropriate. The 2027 NASCAR schedule includes the return of the Coronado Street Race in San Diego, which could be a potential venue for Keselowski's next team.