When Brad Keselowski became a co-owner of Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing (RFK) in 2022, many saw it as a risky gamble. At the time, RFK was viewed as a team in decline, struggling to keep pace with NASCAR’s powerhouses. Fast-forward two years, and Keselowski’s leadership has transformed RFK into a competitive force, culminating in the ambitious decision to launch a third full-time car for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season.
But as RFK crew chief Scott Graves recently revealed, this milestone has been anything but smooth sailing.
From Underdogs to Contenders
Keselowski entered RFK with a clear vision: to rebuild, expand, and win. While the first season under his stewardship was rough, with only one top-five finish, RFK turned the corner in 2023. Over the next two seasons, Keselowski and teammate Chris Buescher combined for five wins and 31 top-five finishes, firmly re-establishing RFK as a legitimate contender.
“It shows our dedication to the sport,” Graves shared on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. “Brad’s been open about wanting RFK to be a three-car team from day one. While it didn’t happen as quickly as he hoped, the growth has been on target.”
RFK’s rise in performance has now paved the way for its boldest move yet: introducing a third car to the NASCAR Cup grid in 2025. But, as Graves acknowledged, expanding while maintaining the team’s momentum will be no small feat.
The #60 Car: A Calculated Risk
The seeds for expansion were planted in 2024 when RFK fielded the #60 car as a part-time entry. This allowed the team to test its readiness for a third car without compromising the performance of the #6 (Keselowski) and #17 (Buescher) teams. The results were promising, and the decision to go full-time with the #60 in 2025 soon followed.
Enter Ryan Preece, who will pilot the new car. After a rollercoaster 2024 season, Preece has shown flashes of brilliance, including a fourth-place finish at Nashville. However, inconsistency remains a concern, and Preece will need to deliver steady results to cement his place in RFK’s long-term plans.
Preece’s move to RFK comes with significant financial backing—a reported $20 million sponsorship from Kroger. This injection of capital will provide crucial resources for the new team while solidifying RFK’s financial foundation.
Challenges of Expansion
Adding a third car is a monumental challenge, both logistically and competitively. RFK’s partnership with Rick Ware Racing has been instrumental, providing essential resources like charters and pit equipment. However, the pressure to maintain the performance of the #6 and #17 teams while building a new program is immense.
“It’s a big challenge to keep that level of performance and not let the third team slow us down,” Graves admitted. “But it’s also an opportunity to build off our momentum.”
Keselowski’s Leadership and Vision
Keselowski’s strategic approach has been pivotal in RFK’s resurgence. His on-track performance in 2024—highlighted by a win at Darlington and nine top-five finishes—has further reinforced his dual role as driver and leader.
Meanwhile, Chris Buescher’s 2024 season was a step back from his stellar 2023 campaign, where he notched three wins and finished seventh in the standings. With only one win and a 17th-place finish in 2024, Buescher will need to rebound in 2025 to complement the team’s growth.
RFK’s Ambitious Future
The addition of the #60 car is more than just an expansion; it’s a statement of intent. RFK Racing isn’t just looking to compete—it’s aiming to dominate. With Keselowski’s vision, Graves’ expertise, and Preece’s potential, RFK is poised to make a major impact in 2025 and beyond.
As Graves put it, “It’s exciting to see that kind of growth and what we’ve been able to do here. The challenge now is to ensure that we don’t just expand—we succeed.”
With its bold move to three cars, RFK Racing is gearing up for a pivotal year in 2025. If the team can sustain its upward trajectory, it could solidify its place among NASCAR’s elite. For Keselowski and RFK, the road ahead is filled with opportunity—and they seem more than ready to seize it.