One of NASCAR’s biggest partnerships is coming to an end.
Brad Keselowski and RFK Racing announced Tuesday that they will part ways following the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, bringing an end to a five-year run that saw Keselowski serve as a driver, co-owner and key leader within the organization.
The 2012 Cup Series champion will finish the current season behind the wheel of the No. 6 Ford Mustang before moving on to the next chapter of his career. However, Keselowski has made one thing clear: he is not ready to walk away from NASCAR.
The announcement creates major questions for both Keselowski and RFK Racing as the sport’s 2027 driver market begins to take shape.
Keselowski Confirms He Wants to Keep Racing
At 42 years old, Keselowski still believes he has plenty left to accomplish behind the wheel.
In his statement following the announcement, the Michigan native reflected on his time with RFK and thanked the people who helped build the organization during his tenure.
Keselowski also made his future intentions clear, saying he is “nowhere near ready to be done as a driver.”
The veteran did not reveal where he plans to race in 2027, leaving his next destination unknown. But his comments make it clear that the end of his time at RFK does not necessarily mean the end of his full-time Cup Series career.
With 36 career Cup Series victories and a championship on his résumé, Keselowski remains one of the most experienced drivers in the sport.
A Major Change for RFK Racing
Keselowski’s departure is about much more than replacing the driver of the No. 6 car.
Since joining the organization ahead of the 2022 season, he has also been a co-owner and played a major role in its competition department. His influence helped shape RFK’s direction both on and off the track.
RFK Racing president Chip Bowers praised Keselowski’s contributions, describing him as a champion, competitor and leader who invested himself in the future of the organization.
The team will now have to find a replacement for the No. 6 seat while also searching for a new head of competition.
RFK has stated that it intends to remain a three-car Cup Series organization in 2027 and will continue pursuing a third charter. The team has not yet announced who will drive the No. 6 Ford next season.
Looking Back at Keselowski’s RFK Tenure
Keselowski joined the organization after spending the bulk of his Cup career with Team Penske, where he won the 2012 championship.
His move to RFK was designed to help revitalize the team while giving him an opportunity to shape its future as an owner.
The results included seven Cup Series victories for the organization since his arrival, although Keselowski himself recorded one win during his time with RFK: the 2024 Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway.
Across his RFK tenure, he collected 25 top-five finishes and 55 top-10s in 174 starts through the Kansas race on Sept. 27.
While the partnership produced fewer victories for Keselowski than he may have hoped, his impact extended beyond his own results. He helped guide the organization’s competitive direction and played a central role in its transformation.
What Happens Next?
The split leaves two major questions hanging over the NASCAR offseason.
First, where will Keselowski race in 2027? He has made it clear that he wants to continue competing, but no future team has been announced.
Second, who will take over the No. 6 Ford at RFK? The organization must now identify a driver and determine how it will replace Keselowski’s leadership within the competition department.
For now, both sides will continue working together through the remainder of the 2026 season.
Keselowski’s departure marks the end of an important chapter for RFK Racing. But with the veteran determined to keep racing, this announcement may be the beginning of a new chapter rather than the end of his NASCAR story.
The 2027 silly season just got a lot more interesting.