Kevin Harvick questions Brad Keselowski’s ability to bring RFK Racing back to its winning ways. Since leaving Team Penske, where he won 36 races and a championship, Keselowski’s results have not been the same. His teammate Chris Buescher has won more races, raising doubts about Keselowski’s role as driver and co-owner. Despite strategic moves and new partnerships, the pressure is building. Can Keselowski turn things around, or will Harvick’s doubts prove right?
Key Highlights
- Kevin Harvick questions Brad Keselowski’s ability to regain his former success since moving from Penske to RFK Racing.
- Keselowski has achieved only one win at RFK Racing, indicating inconsistent performance compared to his tenure at Penske.
- Chris Buescher’s recent victories highlight challenges for Keselowski in achieving similar success at RFK Racing.
- RFK Racing’s engineering alliance and new resources aim to enhance team competitiveness under Keselowski’s leadership.
- The 2025 season is crucial for Keselowski, with concerns about balancing his dual role as driver and co-owner.
Brad Keselowski’s Legacy at Team Penske
Brad Keselowski’s tenure at Team Penske marked a period of remarkable success and solidified his reputation as a formidable competitor in NASCAR’s Cup Series. During his time there, Keselowski illustrated an unmatched mastery of consistency, precision, and speed, accumulating 36 Cup Series race wins and clinching the 2012 championship.
His ability to dominate across different track formats made him a constant threat, earning him the nickname “Bad Brad” among peers and fans.
However, Keselowski’s shift from driver at Penske to co-owner and driver at RFK Racing has not mirrored past victories. Since his departure in 2021, wins have dwindled, and the performance bar he set remains unmet.
Despite contributing notably to revitalizing RFK Racing into a competitive force, Keselowski’s personal results have yet to echo his previous glory.
Kevin Harvick’s Skepticism About Keselowski’s Comeback
How has Brad Keselowski’s shift to RFK Racing truly impacted his performance on the track? This question arises, especially when viewed through the lens of Kevin Harvick’s skepticism. Harvick, known for his frank assessments, questions whether Keselowski can recapture his former glory.
“Is Brad Keselowski ever going to get back to what he was at Penske?” – (Harvick)
At Penske, Keselowski was a force, consistently securing top-10 finishes over 12 seasons. However, RFK Racing presents a different challenge, requiring robust leadership on and off the track—a role Keselowski has adopted.
“structural organization, racing common sense, and all the things that come with that.” – (Harvick)
Despite his tactical insight and organizational skills, Harvick remains unconvinced about Keselowski’s driving performance. Noting brief flashes of brilliance, Harvick points out that Keselowski’s success has been sporadic.
“We’ve seen flashes of brilliance out of that car over the past few years,” Harvick noted. “But it comes in small pockets. It’s just not been where it needs to be to be back in championship mode.” – (Harvick)
Indeed, since joining RFK in 2022, Keselowski has achieved just one win, compared to his teammate Chris Buescher’s five. This disparity highlights Harvick’s skepticism, compelling observers to question whether Keselowski can truly return to championship form.
A Tale of Two Drivers at RFK Racing
Amidst the competitive landscape of RFK Racing, the comparison of Brad Keselowski and Chris Buescher‘s performances paints a vivid picture of two distinct trajectories within the same team.
Chris Buescher, often hailed by Kevin Harvick as an underrated talent, showcased remarkable consistency, securing three wins in 2023 and maintaining an impressive average finish of 12.2. His skill, particularly on road courses, has been instrumental in RFK Racing’s success.
“one of the most underrated guys in the sport.” – (Harvick)
In contrast, Brad Keselowski’s path has been more turbulent. Despite an eighth-place finish in 2023 and a playoff exit, his performance saw a mild resurgence in 2024. He claimed a victory at Darlington, adding nine top-five finishes; however, his 13th-place finish overall suggests a struggle to reclaim his former dominance.
“I don’t think we ever see another championship out of Keselowski. I just haven’t seen it yet.” – (Harvick)
Future of RFK Racing and Keselowski’s Role as Driver-Owner
As the dynamics within RFK Racing continue to evolve, the spotlight turns to the future path of the team and Brad Keselowski‘s intricate role as driver and owner.
Since joining RFK Racing in 2022, Keselowski’s vision has been clear: transform a struggling team into a competitive force. His efforts have been emphasized by tactical moves, such as adding a third car to the roster and securing a long-term sponsorship deal with Kroger.
Furthermore, the engineering alliance with the Haas Factory Team enhances RFK Racing’s competitive edge.
“Day 1 walking into what’s now RFK, I knew it was going to be about challenges. It was part of the fun, knowing that you have to fix it, tune it up.” – (Keselowski)
Keselowski’s focus has shifted from personal accolades to team success, aiming for multiple race wins and deep playoff runs. The 2025 season approaches as a crucial year, with a new crew chief and reinforced resources.
“We want to be contenders. We want to win multiple races, put all our cars into the playoffs, and at least get one of them to make a deep run. I think we’ll have a good chance at that. We’ve got some really good people and really good resources.” – (Keselowski)
News in Brief: Kevin Harvick Questions Brad Keselowski’s Ability
Kevin Harvick’s skepticism about Brad Keselowski’s capacity to lead RFK Racing back to victory reflects broader uncertainties about Keselowski’s shift from a successful tenure at Penske to his multifaceted role as driver-owner.
While Keselowski’s leadership and experience are undeniable assets, the comparison with teammate Chris Buescher highlights contrasting trajectories within the team. The future of RFK Racing hinges on Keselowski’s ability to adapt, innovate, and harness his and Buescher’s strengths to achieve sustained success.
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