Jack Roush, the legendary NASCAR Hall of Fame team owner, has begun a gradual leadership handoff at Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing, entrusting Brad Keselowski with more control following the 2021 season. The Jack Roush leadership transition at RFK Racing highlights how Roush, though less visible at every Cup event, remains deeply involved while Keselowski steps into an influential ownership and operational role.
Roush Stays Involved Behind the Scenes
Although Jack Roush is now 83 and has reduced his attendance at races, his influence at RFK Racing continues as founder, CEO, and co-owner. While no longer leading at the forefront each weekend, Roush remains connected to the racing organization he created. RFK also benefits from his expertise, with Roush overseeing additional ventures based in suburban Detroit, including Roush Enterprises, Roush Performance, Roush Industries, and Roush CleanTech.
In 2021, the organization undertook a major shift, initiating Keselowski’s climb from driver to part-owner. Roush’s decision was backed by Keselowski’s strong racing record, which included the 2012 Cup championship and 35 wins. The 2022 season marked Keselowski’s start in handling many daily operations, although on-track results have lagged, as he enters the upcoming Michigan International Speedway race placed 32nd.
Kezelowski Reflects on Working with Roush
On a recent episode of the Chasing Checkers podcast with Chase McCabe, Brad Keselowski described Jack Roush’s continued commitment to accountability and technical excellence within the team.
“Jack’s an interesting guy — obviously very smart, very technical,”
said Keselowski.
“He’s in a season of life that makes it hard for him to be everyday-engaged. We probably talk once every week or two, where I try to catch him up on what’s going on.”
—Brad Keselowski, Team Co-owner
Kezelowski went on to share how Roush’s demand for responsibility extends beyond racing.
“What I really respect about Jack is he pushes very hard for accountability, which is something that is important, outside of even our business, but all aspects of our life. He drives accountability harder than anybody I’ve ever seen.”
—Brad Keselowski, Team Co-owner
Founding Legacy and Ownership Changes
Prior to bringing in John Henry and Brad Keselowski as partners, Jack Roush’s teams captured two NASCAR Cup championships, five Xfinity Series titles, and a Truck Series crown. The leadership transition started when Keselowski moved from Team Penske, where he had been a fixture from 2009 through 2021, to RFK after being offered an essential role by Roush and fellow co-owner John Henry. This shift positioned Keselowski as an eventual successor in leading the racing team once Roush and Henry step back from active involvement.
Roush himself addressed the upcoming changes during the handoff:
“I’ll be able to back away some and to not go to all the races and not be the first one on top of the pit box and the last one in my car to go home as I’ve been in the past for most of my time,”
Roush explained. —Jack Roush, Founder & Team Owner
He added:
“I enjoy passing the baton to Brad. Steve (RFK president Steve Newmark) questioned me if I was really willing to do that and I said, ‘Well, as long as I can keep one hand on it for a while, it will work for me.’”
—Jack Roush, Founder & Team Owner
What the Future Holds for RFK Racing
RFK Racing is currently at a pivotal point. The transition has seen Brad Keselowski, supported by John Henry and original founder Jack Roush, moving to blend driver expertise and business acumen in his new leadership position. While Roush may be curbing his day-to-day activities, his ongoing presence ensures continuity as the organization adapts under new management. The full effects of the Jack Roush leadership transition at RFK Racing will unfold as Keselowski and his team pursue success on and off the track, carrying Roush’s legacy forward.
