Brad Keselowski will leave RFK Racing at the conclusion of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, ending a five-year stint that transformed the organization and casting uncertainty over his future driving career and ownership stake.
The Unexpected Departure From RFK Racing
The announcement that Brad Keselowski and RFK Racing will part ways at the end of the 2026 season stunned the NASCAR world. Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing and Keselowski, in separate statements, announced on Sept. 29 that Keselowski will end his time as driver of the No. 6 Ford Mustang with the team at the end of the 2026 Cup season. Keselowski’s contract negotiations with the RFK Racing board—a somewhat expected formality considering his ownership stake—broke down and RFK Racing announced that it would part ways with Keselowski after this season. Keselowski joined the team in 2022 when he became a co-owner of Roush Fenway Racing, spending most of his career prior to that with Team Penske. Jack Roush and John Henry are the other primary owners of the team.
RFK President Chip Bowers acknowledged the profound impact of Keselowski’s tenure in a statement released by the team.
“We are big fans of Brad as a person, driver, and colleague. 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,” said Chip Bowers, President of RFK Racing. “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. 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.”
Uncertainty Surrounding Ownership and the No. 6 Car
Beyond his duties behind the wheel, Keselowski is a co-owner of the organization, but reports indicate that he will give up his ownership piece as well. It is unclear if Keselowski will remain a co-owner of RFK Racing beyond 2026. Keselowski does not have a controlling interest in the team, and a statement from RFK indicated it would try to buy him out with the team being operated by Roush Enterprises and the Fenway Sports Group (the R and the F in RFK).
“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,” according to a statement. Jack Roush and John Henry are unsure what they plan to do with the No. 6 car for 2026. It is known that they are losing the charter for Ryan Preece’s No. 60, but have previously said that they intend to run it as a third, open entry if need be. Tuesday’s statement noted that they remain in pursuit of a third charter.
Driver’s Future Plans and Historic Speculation
Keselowski, a co-owner of the team, has not announced plans to retire from driving. The 2012 Cup champion stated he still has a lot he wants to accomplish in the sport. I'm nowhere near ready to be done as a driver,
Keselowski said in a statement. Keselowski will finish the year in the No. 6 Ford before stepping away from his ownership role with RFK Racing. He has also made clear he does not plan to retire from driving. The news immediately raised a bigger question about Brad Keselowski’s future in NASCAR. During Ask Jr., Earnhardt focused on what could come next for the 2012 Cup Series champion. Rather than viewing the move as the end of Keselowski’s career, Earnhardt questioned where he could race in 2027. His comments also brought several possible NASCAR teams into the conversation, although none were confirmed as Keselowski’s next destination. If Keselowski can’t find a ride in the Cup Series, the Truck Series could become a realistic option. This would be intriguing because Keselowski could become the first driver in NASCAR history to win a championship in all three series. Keselowski already has Cup and O’Reilly Series titles. It is unclear if Keselowski is even interested in this possibility, but this would be the perfect moment for him to pursue this achievement. No driver in NASCAR history has ever won a championship at every level, and Keselowski could become the first if he tries to make it happen in 2027.
Remaining 2026 Schedule and Immediate Priorities
While Keselowski will continue to race with RFK for the remainder of the 2026 season, it is unclear if he will stay on as an owner beyond that. Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing and Brad Keselowski announced that Keselowski will conclude his tenure as driver of the No. 6 Ford Mustang following the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, bringing to a close an important chapter for both Keselowski and the organization. With several races still ahead, the team and driver look forward to competing together through the remainder of the schedule.