“I’m truly excited about this partnership with Brad. I think it will bring a lot to the organization, from not only Brad’s ability behind the wheel, but a rejuvenation and fresh perspective across our teams,” then Roush Fenway Racing team owner Jack Roush had said in 2021. But what he didn’t know was his dream would become reality soon. And if we are to listen to industry insiders like racing veteran, Kevin, Harvick, Keselowski is not done yet—the only way is reaching the NASCAR pinnacle for him. But before we get to that…
It’s worth noting that the organization was already struggling when Keselowski joined. Once a premier racing garage, and considered one of the greats among bigwigs like Hendrick Motorsports, Roush’s team would have its drivers in the Top-2 in points every year through 2002-2006, and then 2008. However, the tap ran dry soon.
Imagine this: A racing organization that finished in the Top-10 in the Cup final standings every year from the year 2000 to 2014—including winning the championship twice (2003 with Matt Kenseth, and 2004 with Kurt Busch)—finished 20th in 2015, followed by a 21st the very next year. What’s more? Between 2015 and 2024, the team has finished with the Top-10 in the final standings just once (8th during the 2023 season, thanks to Brad Keselowski).
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Even Brad’s teammate Chris Buescher got his first race win in the Cup Series only after Keselowski’s inclusion—the #17 driver was a part of the organization since 2020, but won his first Cup race at Bristol in 2022, as part of the rebranded Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing. Since that day, the 32-year-old has won 4 more races in the tourney, including three one during the 2023 season.
So, it’s expected that the new team owner has already made his mark. The best thing about Brad Keselowski and his presence in RFK Racing is that he has got his act together both as a co-owner and as a racer. After he took over the authority of the team in 2022, there has been immense positive growth for the team, pushing them for some notable from the impending 2025 season.
For starters, the team will be operating with three cars. RFK Racing was unable to bring forth any car for the NASCAR Cup Series 2024 playoffs and yet the zeal they showcased has been blissful. For the 2025 season, they are more than prepared, thanks to the mastermind that Keselowski is. The third car will be piloted by Ryan Preece from the Stewart Haas Racing team.
This comes as a great leap forward, and it surely has escaped the keen eyes of the 2014 Cup Series championship winner, Harvick…
Speaking on the kind of exceptional strategies that Keselowski masters, Harvick explained on the Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour podcast aired January 27, “I think that we’ve seen the power of Brad Keselowski and the things that he can do with your race team just by his knowledge of what’s going on with the car, how it’s driving, the people, and the places. The improvements that they’ve made at RFK throughout the years are significant”.
Not only that, this season has also seen Keselowski bringing his long-time crew chief, Jeremy Bullins back to his realms. Brad Keselowski and Jeremy Bullins are set to reunite as a driver-crew chief duo. This is the same partnership that previously secured five NASCAR Cup Series wins for Team Penske between 2020 and 2021. Bullins, an accomplished crew chief with 31 victories across NASCAR’s National Series, will take on the role of crew chief for the No. 6 Ford Mustang Dark Horse starting in 2025. This move sees Bullins stepping in for Matt McCall, who has served as Keselowski’s crew chief for the past three seasons.
During his tenure, McCall led the team to one victory at Darlington in 2024. Now, with Bullins back on board, Keselowski and his team aim to strengthen their competitive edge moving forward. Speaking of how Keselowski has been putting forth small steps together for the improvement of the team, Harvick further added, “The expectation isn’t to win just one race a year with Brad. The expectation is to race for a championship.”
“And obviously, he felt like they weren’t at that point. When you look at Jeremy and the things that he and Brad have experienced together, Brad obviously felt like it was time for a change…….. Jeremy’s got experience. Brad and Jeremy obviously agree on what they’re doing, and they know they have to win more. In the end, the expectation is for Brad to race for a championship”.
“That gives you a lot of confidence that he can create a culture with a team very quickly—a winning type of culture,” Harvick further added.
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The retired veteran cautioned that Keselowski’s strategic moves at RFK Racing, though subtle, are steadily transforming the team into a serious championship contender. With his calculated decisions, including reuniting with crew chief Jeremy Bullins and expanding to three cars, Keselowski is quietly building a powerhouse that rivals should not underestimate.
Keselowski shares his feelings about being a co-owner
Racing for a team is one thing. But taking up its entire functionality and ensuring that it regains its lost glory is what makes a co-owner accountable. Brad Keselowski has been known to be a great driver throughout his NASCAR journey, but now he has started to impress critics with his strategic co-owner moves. Speaking of how he has been juggling between the different responsibilities that have come his way. Keselowski added, “I feel like I went from eating at the restaurant to making the food and eating. The food always tastes a little better when you know you made it. There’s some pride that comes from that”.
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He also recently shared about how he has been managing the various things on his plate and yet maintaining a balance. He added, “Whether it’s partners, employees, new processes, resources… There’s always something to be worked on. Of course, all the other non-fun stuff, like budget meetings and marketing meetings… But, like I said, you just feel more involved”.
Keselowski’s dedication to RFK Racing goes beyond just driving. It is quite evident that he is deeply invested in rebuilding the team’s legacy from the ground up. His hands-on approach to leadership shows that he’s not just competing on the track but shaping the future of the organization with every decision he makes.
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Debate
Is Brad Keselowski the mastermind RFK Racing needed to become a championship contender?
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Top Comment by NREsq
«Took a team from scratch»??? BK’s done a great job. So why include false statements?
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