RFK Racing Drivers React to Keselowski Split

LAS VEGAS -- RFK Racing's two hired drivers are racing on after their teammate and boss announced his split from the organization in 2027 as they're in the middle of their Chase for the NASCAR Cup Series championship. 

Sitting 14th and 15th in the Chase standings, Ryan Preece (-173 points) and Chris Buescher (-186 points) are currently out of contention for a championship but have a lot to race for as the Chase reaches the halfway point at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Heading into 2027, they have a lot to prove as the man of many hats within the organization, Brad Keselowski, hangs up the hats to turn another direction elsewhere.

The split, announced suddenly Tuesday, was something Buescher "had an idea" was coming. Preece stated he was never part of the conversations and didn't know something was "coming down the line."

Ultimately, the team's leadership gathered everyone to let them know what was going on.

"We’ve had some conversations, not to the pinpoint knowledge part of it, but from both sides – from Brad and right before letting me know, and from Chip [Bowers, RFK team executive]’s side as well,” Buescher said.

Now a veteran who has been a part of all five seasons of the venture co-owned by Jack Roush, Fenway Sports Group and Keselowski and two seasons before, Buescher credited Keselowski with being a "great mentor" and a leader who helped them contend for the Chase and race wins again. He believes that impact and presence will continue to be felt now competing against Keselowski.

“Brad has worn a lot of different hats in front of me... You’d have a really hard time saying it’s just one thing. That being said, his knowledge and expertise through the years has been instrumental in helping me continue to improve. That’s been my case everywhere I’ve been and all the teammates I’ve had through the years that have been able to gather so much from them and Brad has been just on a step above that, just driving for him and with him over the past five years. We have a little more time under our belts together and it’s led to a lot of success for myself and I’m certainly not losing sight of any of that," Buescher said.

Buescher said he's disappointed to lose a big figure like Keselowski within the team. However, he said Keselowski leaving doesn't change his future with the team and what they're capable of doing.

“He will certainly be missed in a lot of ways and I think that on the other side of it is we’re gonna have to compete against him now," Buescher said. "We’ve got a lot of really sharp people and really talented people. We have some roles to fill and we’ll work hard and try to make the best decisions there. If we can get that right, then we’ll be able to keep up and keep pushing forward. We’ve kind of established a great foundation and we owe so much of that to Brad and that will help set us going forward on a strong path.”

Buescher doesn't know where Keselowski is going but he believes he has a planning. He added Keselowski "doesn't do anything without a plan."

Teammate Preece isn't a stranger to situations where everything seems to be starting over. Now 35 years old with a life of surviving in the sport, he successfully bet on himself to race for Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series and earned a Cup ride with JTG-Daugherty Racing that went awry in 2021 when he raced unchartered. After sitting a Cup season out in 2022, he came back with Stewart-Haas Racing in 2023 before that team shut down and put him at RFK Racing in 2025. 

RFK was going to have to figure out which two cars would race chartered in 2027 with just two charters for three cars. The split solves that, putting Preece is in the most comfortable position of his career despite his organization now being in an uncomfortable position.

“I assume. I’m comfortable with being uncomfortable, but it would probably be nice to go to Daytona knowing that we can lock ourselves in without even needing to qualify in the top two. I’ve been a part of that rodeo before. It’s nice to be on the side where you’re chartered," Preece said. 

Ultimately, Roush-Fenway is ready to carry on despite losing a key partner in their venture.

“Brad has been a great teammate, a great part of their ownership group in rebuilding, but the house needs to keep being built, so we’re gonna keep trying to do everything right and still have success," Preece said. "I’ve got nothing but great things to say about Brad but I understand this sport. I’ve been on the side where things aren’t going your way, so as far as all the other things, that’s probably a question for Chip [Bowers, RFK team executive]."

Bowers is set to address the meeting Saturday afternoon at 7 p.m. ET in the Las Vegas Motor Speedway media center.