Brad Keselowski, co-owner of RFK Racing, has shared his thoughts after a pivotal U.S. Court of Appeals decision that impacts the charter status of 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, stirring up the NASCAR landscape. In the wake of the court ruling, Keselowski has expressed hope for a resolution and noted possible charter acquisition opportunities, bringing the focus keyword—Brad Keselowski eyes charter acquisition after court ruling—to the forefront at a moment of change for key NASCAR teams.
Charter Status Overturned and Implications for Teams
The U.S. Court of Appeals’ recent move to vacate the preliminary injunction has stripped 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports of their guaranteed grid spots, meaning these teams risk losing their assurance to compete in every race. Now, both must attempt to qualify for each event as open teams, placing their sponsorship deals and driver security in an uncertain position.
With a looming deadline of June 19 to file an appeal, the future for both teams hangs in the balance, as a final verdict on their charter rights approaches. Should these teams ultimately forfeit their charters, it opens a door for other organizations like Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing to solidify or expand their grid spots—relevant considering RFK’s current lease agreement for Rick Ware Racing‘s charter, which is utilized by the No. 60 car driven by Ryan Preece.
Addressing the situation during Michigan International Speedway qualifying, Brad Keselowski spoke about the uncertainty and the opportunities it may present:
“I just wish the whole thing would find a peaceful resolution and the sport could kind of move on…..I think there’d be a long list of suitors I guess would be the word but you know RFK has a lease agreement currently with, with Rick Wear Racing and for the 2026 season but certainly we’re keeping our eyes open”
—Brad Keselowski, Co-owner, RFK Racing
RFK Racing’s Moves Amid Stewart-Haas and Driver Shifts
The recent closing of Stewart-Haas Racing left driver Ryan Preece temporarily sidelined, but allowed Keselowski to sign Preece for a third RFK Racing entry in 2025. Meanwhile, Denny Hamlin, part-owner of 23XI, has affirmed his team’s intention to keep racing as an open entry should the charter not be restored, while still hoping for a positive outcome in the charter trial set for December. This period of transition injects a pronounced sense of uncertainty and expectation among teams, drivers, and sponsors alike.
Keselowski’s Homecoming: Michigan Challenges and Hopes
Returning to his roots, Brad Keselowski is preparing for his 28th start at Michigan International Speedway, the two-mile oval that remains his hometown track. Although he has not yet captured a victory at MIS, Keselowski has demonstrated strong form there, averaging an eighth-place finish in his last three outings during the Next Gen Era. Despite qualifying 27th for the FireKeepers Casino 400, Keselowski suggested that race-day performance at Michigan often differs from qualifying results:
“I felt really good about my lap the way the car felt not so good about the speed it ran…..I feel like this race weekend is, is an interesting one because what it takes to go fast in qualifying is almost like the exact opposite of what it takes to go fast in a race so trying to be really smart about how we approach it,”
he said via Frontstretch [0:17 onwards]. —Brad Keselowski, Co-owner, RFK Racing
Currently holding 32nd in the Driver’s standings, with one top-five finish and five DNFs this season, Keselowski aims to reverse his fortunes at this significant venue. As the race at Michigan International Speedway approaches, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how the charter disputes and team strategies affect the field, especially with Keselowski’s own plans for RFK Racing in play. The event airs live on Prime Video, June 8 at 2 PM ET, offering a new chapter in what has become a crucial stretch for drivers, owners, and fans in the NASCAR landscape.
