Brad Keselowski RFK Racing news emerged on Thursday, September 18, with the announcement that Chip Bowers, an experienced executive from the sports world, will take over as president of RFK Racing. The North Carolina-based NASCAR team, co-owned by Keselowski, named Bowers as the successor to Steve Newmark, following Newmark’s move to the University of North Carolina in August.
Chip Bowers Brings Decades of Experience to RFK Racing
RFK Racing has selected Chip Bowers to serve as its new team president, filling an important leadership role after Steve Newmark’s departure earlier this summer. Bowers arrives with close to thirty years of executive expertise across major sports franchises, having worked in sponsorship and marketing roles for organizations like the Golden State Warriors, Miami Marlins, Orlando Magic, Seattle SuperSonics, and San Diego Padres. He has also contributed to the business side of Elevate Sports Ventures and other firms, bringing significant industry connections to the team.
“[RFK Racing] has named a new team president. Chip Bowers, a longtime sports executive, will serve as the successor to Steve Newmark, who stepped down from the role in August to pursue an opportunity with UNC Athletics which began in September.”
Toby Christie, NASCAR Reporter
RFK Racing’s front office leadership shift is seen as a strategic bid to boost the team’s commercial presence and secure high-value partnerships. The hope is that Bowers’ track record, particularly his proven ability in sales and marketing, will enhance business prospects and attract sponsorship deals vital for the continued competitiveness of the organization. As a North Carolina native, Bowers’ familiarity with the region may also play a role in strengthening ties with local partners and fans.
“His extensive sales and marketing background will be a tremendous asset. He understands how to build meaningful partnerships and enhance fan experiences and that will help RFK Racing’s growth long term,”
Brad Keselowski, Co-Owner and NASCAR Driver
RFK Racing’s Cup Series Teams and Recent Performance
The NASCAR team fields three full-time entries in the Cup Series, with Brad Keselowski driving the No. 6 Ford Mustang following his partial ownership purchase in 2022. Chris Buescher competes in the No. 17 car, while Ryan Preece, new to RFK Racing this season, drives the No. 60 car. Despite competitive efforts, none of the three RFK Racing teams managed to qualify for the playoffs in the latest season, marking a challenging period for the organization.
Playoff Misses Mark a Setback for RFK Racing
During the regular season, RFK Racing’s teams struggled to secure a strong position for the NASCAR Cup playoffs. Chris Buescher was in contention for a playoff spot until the season’s final three races but ultimately missed the cutoff by thirty points as Alex Bowman outperformed him for the last spot. Ryan Preece faced a similar situation, needing a victory at Daytona to advance, but in the race’s closing laps, he was blocked by two Hendrick Motorsports cars, ending his playoff hopes despite being near the front late in the event.
Meanwhile, Brad Keselowski came close to his first win of the 2025 season at the Bristol Night Race, finishing in second place just 0.343 seconds behind winner Christopher Bell. The near-miss highlighted the team’s competitive potential despite the absence from the playoffs.
Significance of Leadership Change and Looking Ahead
The hiring of Chip Bowers signals RFK Racing’s determination to strengthen its business side following a season without playoff representation. With Bowers’ background in sports marketing and sponsorship acquisition, the team aims to foster fresh partnerships and enhance engagement with fans and businesses. As RFK Racing moves forward under Keselowski’s ownership and Bowers’ executive stewardship, attention will be on how these changes translate into improved competitiveness and commercial success, as the team seeks a resurgence both on and off the track.
