RFK Racing has appointed Chip Bowers as its new team president, a move that comes as Steve Newmark leaves to serve as athletic director at the University of North Carolina next summer. Bowers will take on the role beginning September 22, with the announcement underscoring the team’s dedication to strategic leadership and growth—placing the RFK Racing new president in a pivotal position for the organization’s future.
Bowers Poised to Guide RFK Racing’s Next Phase
Bowers, a North Carolina native and seasoned sports executive, brings extensive leadership experience to RFK Racing. His hiring follows Newmark’s departure after years of guiding the team, setting the stage for Bowers to usher in fresh ideas. The team highlighted the importance of innovation, organizational growth, and the strengthening of long-term corporate relationships as Bowers steps in.
“I’m honored and thrilled to be joining one of NASCAR’s premiere racing teams,”
said Bowers, President.
“As both a fan of the sport and a North Carolina native, this is truly a full circle moment for me in my career. I’m incredibly appreciative of Jack Roush, John Henry, future hall of fame driver and owner Brad Keselowski, and our esteemed board of directors for asking me to be a trusted partner in leading the organization to new heights.”
The team currently fields Cup Series entries for drivers Brad Keselowski, Chris Buescher, and Ryan Preece. However, none of the team’s drivers qualified for this season’s playoffs. RFK Racing boasts a respected legacy in NASCAR, with 143 career wins and past Cup championships won by Kurt Busch in 2004 and Matt Kenseth in 2003. The organization previously fielded cars for NASCAR Hall of Famers, including Mark Martin, Matt Kenseth, Carl Edwards, and Kurt Busch.
Priorities and Vision for the Team
As RFK Racing’s new president, Bowers will focus on propelling the team’s culture of innovation and strengthening partnerships with sponsors and stakeholders. The team believes his background in driving global growth and his experience working across sports organizations will invigorate their operations and open new opportunities for collaboration.
“RFK Racing has a rich and storied history of excellence both on and off of the track,”
said Bowers, President.
“I’m excited to work closely with my new teammates, our impressive best-in-brand partners, and NASCAR officials in unlocking new opportunities that grow our collective businesses through creativity, innovation, strategic thinking, and the enhancement of the overarching fan experience.”
“RFK Racing is realizing an incredible upward trajectory, and I look forward to establishing our team as a true thought-leader and one of the preeminent brands within the industry,”
added Bowers, President.
Bowers’ Track Record and External Perspectives
Before joining RFK Racing, Bowers was president of Elevate, where he managed global expansion efforts, opening several international offices. His career includes senior leadership roles with prominent basketball and baseball franchises—NBA’s Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic, Seattle SuperSonics; MLB’s Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres; and the WNBA’s Seattle Storm. This diverse experience is expected to bring valuable insight to RFK Racing’s business strategy.
Brad Keselowski, both a driver and co-owner at RFK Racing, remarked on Bowers’ arrival:
“Chip brings a fresh perspective that we’re really excited about,”
said Keselowski, Driver/Owner.
“He has proven he can grow organizations and think creatively in some of the most competitive sports markets, and that experience will help us find new ways to strengthen our team.”
Anticipated Impact of Bowers’ Appointment
With Chip Bowers stepping in as RFK Racing new president, the team is expected to pursue new avenues for innovation on and off the track. The combination of his leadership experience and the support from figures like Jack Roush, John Henry, and Brad Keselowski positions RFK Racing to enhance its reputation and competitiveness. The coming season will reveal how Bowers’ strategies and vision influence the team’s performance, business partnerships, and presence within NASCAR.
