NASCAR Shows Mercy to Rick Ware Racing Despite Dismal Performance as Brad Keselowski’s Influence Continues to Shine Through

Brad Keselowski single-handedly revitalized the dwindling Roush Fenway Racing when he bought part-ownership of the team last year. If RFK Racing could boast of two playoff cars this season, it was in large part due to Keselowski’s dedication and commitment. And now, he might have extended the life span of another Cup Series team.

Rick Ware Racing will continue to possess its #51 charter despite finishing near the bottom for the third consecutive year. And team owner Rick Ware has the #6 driver to thank for that. 

Brad Keselowski’s presence lured F1 champion and talented youngsters to RWR

When Kaulig Racing’s Justin Haley decided to leave the rising team for Rick Ware Racing, it baffled racing experts. After Cody Ware’s suspension, the team scrambled to get by with multiple drivers, causing uncertainty about its NASCAR future. But Haley saw a reliable pillar of support behind RWR that could transform its standing in the years to come. The pillar was Keselowski.

The team’s technical alliance with Brad Keselowski’s RFK Racing enticed other young drivers like Zane Smith and Riley Herbst to associate with it. Even 2009 Formula 1 champion Jenson Button chose RWR’s #15 Ford Mustang to run select NASCAR races this season.

Moreover, the technical alliance included setting up a base in RFK Racing’s expansive premises. The new workspace and Keselowski’s powerful influence had assured Haley of the soundness of his decision. NASCAR enthusiast Eric Estepp drew the same conclusion in his analysis. He said, “When Justin Haley announced that move, he made it clear that he felt wanted by Rick Ware Racing. That Rick Ware was constantly trying to talk to him. That Brad Keselowski was present during their initial meetings and interviews.”

Estepp further explained, “Justin Haley is a solid, still very young driver. Rick Ware Racing hasn’t really done this before on the NASCAR side. They’ve usually filled their Cup cars with some combination of Cody Ware and aging veterans who bring funding. But this year, partially since Cody Ware’s arrest and subsequent suspension, they’ve started down a slightly different path…Next year they’re focusing on one anchor driver that could establish a baseline, maybe begin to build a culture, maybe help them grow.” 

Watch this story: Brad Keselowski’s Superstar Shockingly Warns RFK Racing Boss

And NASCAR not only noticed these efforts but also rewarded Rick Ware Racing for them.

Brad Keselowski breathes exciting new life into Rick Ware Racing’s #51 team

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Ending the ambiguity surrounding Rick Ware Racing’s #51 Charter, NASCAR declared it would not repossess and sell the Charter despite its bottom three performance. Veteran journalist Bob Pockrass shared the news, along with the reasoning behind the governing body’s leniency. Pockrass stated, “RWR’s RFK alliance, use of Roush Yates Engines, signing Haley shows commitment to performance.” 

Estepp felt the gesture was understandable given the potential these changes have uncovered for the team. Estepp mused, “I get why NASCAR wouldn’t want to be too harsh in this case. Now if that 51 is bottom three again next year or maybe the year after as well, NASCAR may revisit this but for the time being, that Rick Ware Racing charter is secure.” And one prolific driver made it possible. 

Brad Keselowski himself promised an upcoming revolution after the revelation of Justin Haley’s switch. As reported on theathletic.com, Keselowski held immense hope for the team’s future. He said, “Their driver lineup is getting stronger and stronger, and they’ve got a lot of things to be excited about. They continue to get better with their car prep and all those tools and engineering that we’re supporting them with, and the results are slowly getting there. I’m excited for them.” And so is the entire racing community. 

Read More: “That Can’t Be Right”-Brad Keselowski Reveals Goodyear’s $70,000 Eye-Opener He Got After Becoming A Team Owner