RFK Racing is facing a tough season, and Brad Keselowski knows it. The team is fighting to keep up with NASCAR’s fastest, but there’s more going on behind the scenes. With no poles and slow starts, the road ahead looks hard. Still, Keselowski isn’t giving up. He sees signs of hope in his drivers and has a bold plan in motion. What changes is he making? And can they turn things around before it’s too late?
Key Highlights
- Brad Keselowski acknowledges RFK Racing’s ongoing struggles with qualifying and raw speed, crucial for NASCAR success.
- The team has not secured any pole positions in the 2025 season, indicating speed issues.
- Competing against elite teams like Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing requires improved raw pace.
- The average starting position of 19.6 highlights challenges in harnessing necessary speed.
- Keselowski is optimistic about improved execution leading to future triumphs despite current speed limitations.
Brad Keselowski’s Vision for RFK Racing’s Revival
Brad Keselowski’s vision for RFK Racing’s revival is driven by a deep commitment to restoring the team to its former glory. Upon joining as co-owner in 2021, Keselowski initiated a mission to rejuvenate a once-dominant team, renowned for its back-to-back NASCAR Cup Series championships in the early 2000s.
His approach combines tactical leadership with an emphasis on nurturing talent and innovation within the organization. By collaborating closely with team members, Keselowski endeavors to instill a culture of excellence, aiming to rekindle the competitive spirit that defined RFK Racing’s past successes.
Under his guidance, the team has shown signs of improvement, as evidenced by significant performances from drivers such as Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece.
Keselowski’s dedication is evident in his efforts to amplify the team’s operational efficiency and execution. Yet, he acknowledges that fully realizing this vision requires overcoming persistent challenges that continue to hinder RFK’s resurgence.
RFK Racing’s Struggles in Qualifying and Raw Speed
Despite efforts to refresh RFK Racing, the team continues to struggle with qualifying and raw speed, vital factors in NASCAR success.
Brad Keselowski has openly acknowledged the importance of improved qualifying performances, expressing the need for all three RFK cars to secure better starting positions. Currently, the team has yet to secure a pole position in the 2025 season, with Chris Buescher’s 6th-place start at the Daytona 500 being their best.
“We need all of our three cars to qualify better.” – Brad Keselowski
On average, the team’s starting position is a concerning 19.6, reflecting their challenges in harnessing speed.
Keselowski highlighted the significance of raw pace in achieving competitive results, noting that while Ryan Preece and Chris Buescher are consistently finishing in the top 5s and top 10s, they lack the speed needed to contend for victories.
“We are not showing enough speed potential.”- Brad Keselowski
Competing against NASCAR’s elite teams, such as Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing, necessitates improved pace, which RFK Racing currently lacks.
Close Calls and Keselowski’s Optimism for Ryan Preece and Chris Buescher
RFK Racing may be grappling with challenges in qualifying and raw speed, but there are reasons for optimism, particularly regarding the performances of Ryan Preece and Chris Buescher.
“Ryan and Chris are off to good starts.”
We need a little more pace.” – Brad Keselowski
Keselowski highlighted several close calls that signal potential:
- Ryan Preece’s Phoenix Performance: Preece showcased formidable skill at Phoenix, advancing from 33rd to 11th swiftly, even leading 34 laps. Despite finishing 15th due to a caution, his progress remains impressive.
- Standings and Improvement: Preece, although having a rough start at Daytona, redeemed himself with subsequent top-10 finishes at Las Vegas, Homestead, and Martinsville, currently ranking 14th in the standings, a demonstration of his undeniable growth.
- Chris Buescher’s Consistency: Buescher secured four top-10 finishes in seven races, collecting 177 points, placing him 11th in the standings. His steady performance emphasizes his potential to deliver a victory.
“We need to win races with all three teams here. That’s kind of where my bar is. Ryan has put himself in position here a couple [of] times now… I thought for a minute he was gonna win Phoenix, and then a yellow came out.”
“Particularly the 60 (Ryan Preece) and in a lot of cases the 17 (Chris Buescher) they are executing very well” – Brad Keselowski
Brad Keselowski’s Struggles and the Need for Improvement
Steering through the current season, the challenges facing Brad Keselowski as owner/driver at RFK Racing have become increasingly evident. His performance in the #6 car has been underwhelming, with no laps led or top-10 finishes to his name.
Keselowski’s strongest showing has been an 11th-place finish at Las Vegas, and he’s only earned stage points at Daytona and Martinsville. The struggle is further emphasized by his inability to qualify within the top 15, except at the Ambetter Health 400, where he started ninth.
Despite these setbacks, Keselowski remains optimistic, recognizing the potential in teammates like Buescher and Preece. He believes that if their execution is paired with top-tier speed, RFK Racing can secure multiple victories this season.
“If the 60 and the 17 can take their execution and combine it with top-level speed, I think they can win a handful of races here this year. So, we need to make that happen.” – Brad Keselowski
His statement highlights a pressing need for improvement, as they endeavor to transform latent potential into tangible success in the fiercely competitive NASCAR landscape.
RFK Racing’s Historic Connection to Darlington and Upcoming Race Expectations
As Brad Keselowski grapples with performance hurdles at RFK Racing, attention now turns to their historic connection with Darlington Raceway and the expectations for the upcoming race.
Darlington, famously dubbed the “Track Too Tough to Tame,” stands as a notable venue for RFK Racing, showcasing their past triumphs. Keselowski’s dominant win at the 2024 Goodyear 400, where he led 37 laps, highlights his tactical skill at this storied track.
Meanwhile, Chris Buescher, despite mixed results, aims to capitalize on his seasonal uptick, following a commendable sixth-place finish at last season’s Southern 500.
Ryan Preece, though new to RFK Racing, enters with momentum from recent top-10 finishes.
News in Brief: Brad Keselowski’s RFK Racing Challenges
Brad Keselowski acknowledges RFK Racing’s current challenges in keeping pace with NASCAR’s top teams, yet he remains optimistic about the future. By focusing on refining their speed and performance, Keselowski is hopeful that drivers like Preece and Buescher can capitalize on their close calls and potential. With RFK Racing’s deep-rooted history at tracks like Darlington, there is a sense of anticipation for upcoming races, as they endeavor to regain their competitive edge and secure stronger results.
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