RFK Racing is heading into a storm. The team is about to lose more than just a star driver. It looks like a major piece of their funding is walking out the door too. This isn’t just a small change. It is a total rebuild that’s going to be hard to watch.
Yahoo Sports reports that Fifth Third Bank plans to conclude its long-standing RFK Racing sponsorship following the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. This bank has been part of the team for 15 years. That partnership started way back in 2012. This bank has mostly helped the No. 17 Ford team. They have even helped the team through many different driver changes over the years.
The team is also losing Brad Keselowski. RFK declared on September 29 that Keselowski will depart the No. 6 Ford once the 2026 season ends. He has been a driver and a co-owner since 2022. This is a huge blow to the team’s structure. It’s like a football team losing its star quarterback and a part-owner all at once.
A Double Blow to the Team
Losing a sponsor like Fifth Third Bank is a massive headache. The bank has used NASCAR to build ties with clients in the racing and car industries. They were the main sponsor for the No. 17 Ford during several races. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. secured two victories in 2017, while Yahoo Sports notes the bank was the primary sponsor for five races during 2026.
It’s not just about the money. It’s about the stability. The team is already dealing with changes in its leadership for competition. They are also managing issues with their charter portfolio. Now, they have to find a new partner to replace a 15-year relationship. That is a lot of work to do before the 2027 season starts.
The departure of Keselowski is a different kind of problem. He wanted to keep driving for a much longer time. Yet, RFK president Chip Bowers stated the organization desired his transition to a leadership position within the next two to three years. Since they couldn’t agree on the timing, he is moving on. He is a 2012 champion with 36 Cup wins. You don’t just replace a guy like that overnight.
The Future Looks Uncertain
I think this looks like a mess. If you were running this team, you would be sweating. You are losing your driver, your co-owner, and a huge sponsor all in the same window. It feels like the foundation is shaking. RFK Racing wants to run three full-time cars in 2027, but how can they do that without steady bank support?
The team still has other sponsors like Kroger and Ford. They also have Fastenal and Consumer Cellular. But losing a partner that stays for 15 years leaves a giant hole. It’s like a coach losing his best veteran players and his main budget at the same time. You can’t win championships when you are constantly trying to fix the roster and the bank account.
The team is trying to stay strong. They are still planning to field three cars. But the 2027 season is going to be a test of how much they can survive.