NASCAR’s competitive landscape requires alignment of talent and strategic partnerships. It can often prove to be the difference between success and mediocrity.  As Gene Haas embarks on a new chapter with the Haas Factory Team, he is poised to tap into fresh potential through an exciting collaboration.

With seasoned experts like Brad Keselowski lending their expertise and a newly expanded team structure, Haas is setting his sights on the new season.

Gene Haas-Brad Keselowski: Tapping into higher potential with RFK

In the world of NASCAR, team dynamics and leadership play crucial roles in a team’s success. Gene Haas has navigated the ups and downs of team ownership over the years. From his initial struggles with Haas CNC Racing to the triumphant partnership with Tony Stewart that yielded multiple championships, Haas has always been in pursuit of greater achievements. Now, with the addition of a member for the RFK camp, they are aiming high.

Bob Pockrass shared on X just now, “Nick Sandler, who has been at RFK for about 20 years, including as a crew chief, is now competition director for Haas Factory Team. HFT also announced Xfinity crew chiefs: Jonathan Toney remains at 00 with Sheldon Creed, Jason Trinchere (Spire, Kaulig) will crew chief Sam Mayer”

Troney comes from RFK Racing, where he began in 2006. He progressed from race engineer to crew chief for Stenhouse and will reunite with Aaron Kramer, who has been appointed to lead Cole Custer’s Cup team in 2025. Gravitt has been with Haas since 2004, serving on the No. 14 road crew and later managing all engineering efforts for the Xfinity program over the last two seasons.

As SHR began to wind down its operations in mid-2024, the Haas Factory Team unveiled its strategic plan. Drawing on the legacy of his previous team, Gene Haas is focused on maintaining a trajectory of success, a challenge he aims to tackle with the backing of one of Ford’s rapidly advancing teams—RFK Racing. Sources indicate that this partnership holds significant promise for Haas.

To further bolster his efforts, Haas has enlisted the help of Brad Keselowski, the 2012 Cup Series Champion, who is stepping in to provide support to the nascent Haas Factory Team through his association with RFK Racing. Following a difficult period in the mid-2010s, RFK Racing has shown remarkable improvement since Keselowski joined in 2022.

Last year, Chris Buescher achieved three race wins but missed the playoffs, while Keselowski ended a 103-race winless streak and qualified for the playoffs, boosting excitement for Haas’ partnership with RFK Racing. Aaron Kramer, now crew chief for the No. 41 car at Haas, stated that while RFK will provide support, both teams will operate independently with their own personnel and processes. This collaboration will effectively act as a fourth car, enhancing Haas’ resources and expertise.

Where’s RFK heading this season?

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It’s important to note here that RFK has expanded this year by adding a third charter, leasing one from Rick Ware Racing. This development significantly increases the organization’s influence within NASCAR. To add to that, they’ve managed to bring on one of the biggest sponsors in NASCAR, Kroger. The brand’s tenure in NASCAR goes back over a decade, starting back in 2010 when they initially partnered JTG Daugherty.

Speaking about the partnership, Erin Sanchez, the Vice President of grocery for Kroger, said, “We’re very excited to be teaming up with RFK Racing and know having three drivers as members of the Kroger Racing Family will be an added benefit for all our brand sponsors involved in the program. The opportunity to utilize multiple drivers in their marketing strategies both in our stores and within their merchandising initiatives is something we’re all looking forward to with the start of the 2025 season.” 

Kroger’s addition will be an important addition to the team. It seems Keselowski has not only managed to stun NASCAR fans by bringing in the company, but also Denny Hamlin and Co. since some reports said Kroger would come in to replace outgoing FedEx.

What are your thoughts on the latest developments?