Brad Keselowski’s NASCAR team updates have highlighted a quiet but crucial asset: Joey Hand, whose road course mastery and technical skill have empowered RFK Racing to new heights during key moments in the 2024 season. At pivotal events such as the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Watkins Glen, Hand’s expertise has been the difference-maker behind the scenes and, when called upon, on the track itself.
Joey Hand, born in Sacramento, stands out in the motorsports world with a decorated record in endurance racing and road course competition. While fans may recognize Brad Keselowski as the face and co-owner of RFK Racing, it is Hand—known for his ford/”>Ford factory driver status and international racing success—who provides the team with a unique blend of experience, composure, and tactical insight during NASCAR’s ever-demanding road course races. His victory with Chip Ganassi Team USA at the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans, among wins at Daytona and Sebring, cements his status among the sport’s elite.
Hand’s Racing Pedigree Elevates RFK Racing’s Performance
Though widely regarded for his sports car background, Joey Hand’s transition into NASCAR road course specialist has brought a ripple effect throughout RFK Racing. His Cup Series debut came in 2021 at the Charlotte Roval, followed by a series of starts in 2022 at premier tracks such as Sonoma, Road America, Indianapolis Road Course, Watkins Glen, COTA, and another run at the Roval. While victories proved elusive, his presence delivered calm assurance and a methodical approach to circuits that frequently unsettle even the most experienced NASCAR drivers.
Hand’s reputation grew rapidly through his strategic partnership with Ford Performance and RFK Racing. He actively engaged in simulation work, contributed to Gen-7 car development, and became integral to data-driven road course strategy. These contributions set the stage for his standout drive at the Chicago Street Course, where, in the #60 Ford Mustang, he surged from the back of the pack to claim a stage win and a career-best fourth-place NASCAR result—his instincts and precision melding seamlessly with the RFK team’s tactical direction.
“Joey Hand out in the wild in Brad Keselowski’s pit boxHand has been on standby this weekend for Keselowski with him and his wife expecting their fourth child. pic.twitter.com/s6MRQyIsOP”— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) August 10, 2025
This performance cemented Hand as a vital contributor, not just as a driver, but a mentor and technical resource, often working closely with engineers and team leadership to optimize car setups and in-race strategy.
A Dependable Presence When Stakes Are Highest
Joey Hand’s value to Brad Keselowski and RFK Racing extends beyond driving. His role often entails being on standby for last-minute team needs, most notably as the 2024 season schedule overlapped with key family events in Keselowski’s life. During championship runs and high-pressure weekends—like at Watkins Glen, where Keselowski awaited the birth of his fourth child—Hand’s reliability enabled the team to maintain focus and flexibility.
Hand’s preparation for these high-stakes roles is meticulous. As he explained about his approach before an important event:
“It basically started with the meeting last Wednesday with the team I’m running with, the crew chief, engineer…doing pit stop practice, looking at the NASCAR rules again to refresh my memory. I’ve done seven total before, so I have a feeling it’s more of a refresher course on all the stuff… Man, the driver’s driving a racecar… it’s not easy but obviously it comes naturally because you can do it all your life.”— Joey Hand, Driver
Whether serving as a substitute behind the wheel or as an advisor in the pit box, Hand’s blend of extensive track experience and calm under pressure reassures the entire RFK organization.
Building Team Chemistry and Sharing Knowledge
Hand’s partnership with Brad Keselowski is rooted in mutual respect and shared passion for technical excellence. Their collaboration in simulation labs built a genuine camaraderie, which translated into race invitations and real-world results. When asked about the origins of his RFK involvement, Hand recalled:
“Brad [Keselowski] and I have gotten close doing sim stuff, and he was like, ‘hey, you want to do Chicago?’ I said absolutely. I do not turn down races, pretty much.”— Joey Hand, Driver
Hand’s mentorship impacts drivers across the organization, as he offers guidance on physical preparation, mental resilience, ideal racing lines, and braking tactics essential for road course success. His dedication stabilizes the team during moments of transition, such as driver substitutions or major strategic shifts, infusing stability and purposeful risk management throughout the garage. Crew chiefs, engineers, and up-and-coming drivers benefit from his balanced approach and commitment to continuous improvement.
Adapting to Modern NASCAR and Shaping Its Future
Joey Hand exemplifies a growing trend in modern NASCAR—drawing from international racing disciplines and leveraging specialized talent to address increasingly complex road course schedules. His presence within RFK Racing demonstrates the team’s commitment to innovation and high performance, especially as NASCAR emphasizes versatility with more road and street courses.
Hand’s technical prowess and professional demeanor not only boost the reputation of RFK but also foster a patient, focused approach amid the pressure of the Cup Series. He has become a respected figure for fans and teammates alike, reinforcing a culture where depth of talent and readiness to tackle the unexpected make all the difference, particularly in high-profile races like the Brickyard 400 and the Chicago Street Course.
Looking to the future, Hand’s continued collaboration with Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing, and Ford Performance signals a promising era in which specialized skillsets and collaborative teamwork will shape the outcome of NASCAR’s most demanding events. Whether stepping into the spotlight as a driver or guiding from the shadows, Joey Hand’s influence will resonate throughout the garage and onto victory lane as the 2024 season and beyond unfold.
