Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing and co-owner Brad Keselowski announced Tuesday that the veteran driver will exit the organization after the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, bringing an end to a five-year partnership that began when the 2012 Cup champion joined the team as a co-owner.
Ownership Buyout and Team Evolution at RFK Racing
Keselowski joined Roush Fenway Racing as a co-owner in 2021, a move that prompted the organization to rebrand as Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing ahead of the 2022 season. During his tenure, he not only drove the No. 6 Ford Dark Horse Mustang but also served as head of competition, steering an ambitious technical and competitive transformation.
With his departure, the “K” in RFK is expected to be removed from the team’s name by next year, returning operational control to Roush Enterprises and Fenway Sports Group.
RFK Racing and Keselowski intend to collaboratively and mutually work through the appropriate next steps regarding his existing ownership interest in the organization, and the team supports his desire to explore his career opportunities elsewhere.
RFK Racing President Chip Bowers praised the outgoing champion’s contributions both on and off the track.
Uncertainty Surrounding the No. 6 Seat and 2027 Charter Status
The abrupt split leaves major questions unanswered about the No. 6 car for the 2027 season. While teammates Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece both secured playoff berths in The Chase this year—with Preece winning the regular-season finale at Daytona—the team faces a complex roster and charter landscape.
As Sportsnaut noted, RFK is losing the charter previously leased from Rick Ware Racing, which was sold to Legacy Motor Club for their addition of Riley Herbst in 2027. Despite operating with only two guaranteed charters next year, RFK Racing confirmed in its statement that it remains committed to fielding a three-car operation and will continue an active pursuit of a third charter.
Next Steps and Garage Speculation on Keselowski’s Future
With no full-time Cup seat immediately available for 2027, industry speculation has run rampant. During a live broadcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and co-host TJ Majors—who serves as Keselowski’s spotter at RFK—discussed the sudden departure, with Earnhardt suggesting that a driver of Keselowski’s stature would not relinquish an active seat and ownership stake without a plan B in place.
Reflecting on his five years with the organization, Keselowski expressed gratitude for his time alongside ownership partners from Roush Enterprises and Fenway Sports Group.
Keselowski has 36 wins at the Cup level. RFK Racing announced that the immediate search for a new head of competition will begin as the team prepares for the remainder of the 2026 schedule.
