Brad Keselowski, co-owner and driver at RFK Racing, has emphasized the crucial need for more factory support if his team is to challenge NASCAR’s dominant organizations. RFK Racing, while competitive, continues to trail behind well-funded teams such as Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Team Penske, who benefit from significantly greater manufacturer resources. The push for greater Brad Keselowski factory support has become a focal point as RFK strives to close the performance gap in the series.
Unpacking the Next Gen Car Era and Factory Support Disparities
The introduction of NASCAR’s Next Gen car was intended to level the playing field among teams, yet only a few organizations seem to gain the bulk of manufacturer backing. When asked about RFK Racing’s strategy for joining the elite group receiving substantial support, Keselowski succinctly stated the need for increased direct resources from Ford.
“That’s the game right now. It’s, you know, you want to be tier one at your OEM, and there’s only room, it seems like, for one of the end of each OEM, and that’s what you’re seeing happen.”
— Brad Keselowski, Driver/Owner
RFK’s Current Position within the Ford Hierarchy
Brad Keselowski reflected on the possibility of RFK Racing becoming Ford’s primary representative in NASCAR, acknowledging that such a transition has not been actively discussed.
“Oh, you never know how things are going to play out. I would say that we don’t have any active discussions along those lines.”
— Brad Keselowski, Driver/Owner
This underscores the challenge RFK faces as it works to move up in the pecking order for Ford’s support—Team Penske remains Ford’s clear favorite, enjoying stronger financial and technical backing.
Persistence and Performance Driving the Team Forward
Keselowski highlighted the ongoing effort to elevate RFK’s status through persistence and improved results. He noted that the team’s consistent performances indicate it deserves a more substantial investment from Ford.
“So, but the sport is about persistence. And I’m out here with our company, and we’re being persistently, driving performance. You ask just about, you know, how I feel about our teams being 17, 18, 19th. You know, I think we’re in line for, and we clearly could demonstrate a case that if we can get more support, we could be a top-tier team.”
— Brad Keselowski, Driver/Owner
Recent RFK Racing Results Highlight Need for Support
RFK Racing’s competitiveness has grown over recent seasons. Two years ago, Chris Buescher found success with three regular-season victories at Richmond, Michigan, and Daytona, with Keselowski playing a pivotal supporting role. Last season, Buescher secured a win at Watkins Glen, narrowly beating Shane van Gisbergen, but ultimately missed advancing in the playoffs, ending the year in 17th position.
This year, Buescher has earned five top-five and sixteen top-ten finishes, yet remains outside the postseason bubble in 17th place once again. Keselowski himself qualified for the playoffs last season after a Darlington win, though his campaign ended in the Round of 12 with a 13th-place finish. The 2024 season has brought five top-five and ten top-ten finishes for Keselowski, currently putting him 20th in the standings without a win.
Ryan Preece’s Impact and Team Prospects
With the addition of Ryan Preece from Stewart-Haas Racing, RFK Racing has strengthened its driver lineup. Preece has secured three top-five and eleven top-ten finishes to date, achieving his season-best third-place result at Las Vegas.
The consistent performances by Preece, Buescher, and Keselowski indicate the team’s steady progress, but a greater Brad Keselowski factory support package could enable RFK Racing to push higher in the rankings and challenge at the front more regularly. If Ford increases its backing, the team may soon field a lineup fully capable of competing against NASCAR’s best every weekend.
