Brad Keselowski, already known as a 2012 NASCAR Cup Series champion and co-owner of RFK Racing, has set his sights on an ambitious new role by expressing strong interest in the forthcoming Ford hypercar project for the 2027 racing season. With Ford’s official plans to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship and the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, Keselowski’s 2027 hypercar plans could bring a major American presence to the global stage, blending his NASCAR background with the pinnacle of sports car racing.
The move is seen as both a nod to Keselowski’s respect for racing legends—especially Rick Hendrick—and an answer to the growing appetite for crossover efforts that bridge the American and international motorsports worlds. This leadership-driven ambition follows Ford’s declaration to treat their forthcoming hypercar program as a serious performance challenge, not merely a branding exercise.
Drawing Inspiration from Hendrick’s Influence and Le Mans Tradition
Brad Keselowski’s motivations run deep, in part owing to guidance from NASCAR icons like Rick Hendrick. Just two months ago, Keselowski praised Hendrick’s uncanny ability to motivate and lead top-tier teams, saying,
“Rick Hendrick was probably the best people I’ve ever seen in my life. Understood how to motivate people, how to push them to be their best, while still holding them accountable.”
— Brad Keselowski, Driver and RFK Racing Co-Owner. Now, as Ford prepares a formidable hypercar effort for 2027, Keselowski appears strongly motivated to take on greater responsibility and apply the lessons learned from Hendrick’s approach.
The precedent for such cross-discipline racing endeavors is strong. Le Mans’ famed Garage 56 program, for example, welcomed Hendrick Motorsports, NASCAR, and Chevrolet for a unique 2023 effort that showcased American racing innovation at the French classic. The spirit of broad collaboration among ACO (the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, organizers of Le Mans), IMSA, manufacturers, and teams set an example that Keselowski is eager to emulate, particularly in fostering a US-based hypercar squad.
Ford’s Factory Program: A Genuine Push Toward Le Mans
The announcement from Ford Racing has made clear the brand’s commitment to pushing technological and competitive boundaries in 2027. When asked about the authenticity of the program, Ford Racing’s general manager emphasized,
“This is not a marketing exercise.”
— Ford Racing General Manager. These words underline the seriousness of Ford’s approach to both the FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where innovation and performance are paramount.
Ford’s involvement is expected to be factory-backed with state-of-the-art hypercar or LMDh machinery, aligning with their broader goals for performance and electric vehicle development. Keselowski’s interest further positions him as a potential key steward for Ford’s US-based extension, especially should the project include entries in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, where American teams and drivers play a major role.
When asked about his ownership interest if Ford’s hypercar enters the United States scene, Keselowski said,
“Ford is building a hypercar for 2027 that is going to compete at Le Mans and maybe the United States. And if it competes in the United States, I’d like to own that team.”
— Brad Keselowski, Driver and RFK Racing Co-Owner.
This public declaration signals not just his personal ambition, but also a willingness to further RFK Racing’s competitive reach in a new branch of professional motorsport.
Keselowski Expands His Motorsport Horizons
Brad Keselowski’s bold vision for the future is also rooted in his experience expanding RFK Racing’s operations beyond NASCAR Cup Series competition. As an active driver and co-owner, his responsibilities are already substantial, but he has shown interest in building a broader racing organization for some time. Reflecting on the rising significance of road course racing in NASCAR and the benefits of sportscar pedigree, Keselowski stated,
“As NASCAR continues to get heavier and heavier into road course racing, I think that pedigree (IMSA) offers a lot of advantages to the ecosystem of a successful Cup team. I don’t see us on a path to a Xfinity or Truck team in the near future.”
— Brad Keselowski, Driver and RFK Racing Co-Owner.
His thoughts point to a calculated preference for endurance and sports car racing over traditional NASCAR development routes like the Xfinity or Truck Series. This outlook is further informed by RFK Racing’s storied past in the IMSA scene, where co-owner Jack Roush made his mark by capturing numerous championships and manufacturer victories before moving to the NASCAR stage. Roush’s dominance in both IMSA and the Sports Car Club of America saw his teams secure 24 national championships, 119 race wins, and historic streaks of success at the 24 Hours of Daytona—a rich heritage Keselowski now aims to revive and build upon in partnership with Ford.
Ford’s commitment to leading innovation and performance at Le Mans, and possibly within the United States via IMSA, aligns with Keselowski’s determination. If his aspirations are realized, an RFK-led Ford hypercar program could create an enduring bridge between NASCAR’s elite, American endurance racing, and the intensely competitive global Le Mans category.
Setting the Stage for U.S. Teams at Le Mans
The modern relationship between American stock car racing and international endurance competition has been shaped by projects like Garage 56, which proved that organizations rooted in NASCAR can successfully translate their expertise onto the world’s most prestigious stage. Hendrick Motorsports’ close collaboration with NASCAR, Chevrolet, Goodyear, and IMSA for their Le Mans program underscored the value of shared knowledge, adaptability, and sustained commitment to innovation.
The structure and operation of such a program required alignment among various regulatory bodies (like Le Mans’ ACO and IMSA), major manufacturers, and grassroots racing expertise. Keselowski’s plans mirror this collaborative blueprint, aiming to draw upon his NASCAR and RFK networks—plus Ford’s deep racing resources—to foster a new American hypercar effort woven into the international endurance landscape.
Should Keselowski shepherd Ford’s 2027 program in the United States, this move would reflect the wider trend of U.S. teams staking their claim in both IMSA and FIA-sanctioned events. It would also acknowledge the competitive pathways laid out by leading figures like Rick Hendrick, Joe Gibbs, and Jack Roush, all of whom have demonstrated the capacity to cross disciplines at the highest levels.
Balancing Racing Heritage and New Ambitions
Brad Keselowski’s shift toward leading a Ford hypercar program draws on a complex mix of tradition, personal ambition, and the evolving nature of American motorsport. His experience as a driver and owner places him in a unique position to manage such a large-scale project, should Ford’s plans come to fruition. However, as of now, there has been no formal announcement tying Keselowski directly to the official factory entry. Instead, his vision remains one of hope and strategy, signaling his readiness should the opportunity arise.
The wider context involves legendary figures like Rick Hendrick, whose influence continues to shape the sport from both a leadership and business standpoint. Hendrick’s example as a highly effective team principal, especially as he balances various health challenges and oversees a sprawling dealership empire, remains a guiding light for Keselowski and other inheritors of the American motorsport legacy.
Rick Hendrick Discusses His Changing Role and Enduring Impact
Rick Hendrick, the long-time owner of Hendrick Motorsports and one of NASCAR’s most successful personalities, has recently spoken about managing his involvement with his racing teams amid rising responsibilities. Although expectations are high for an owner of his stature to be present on race day, Hendrick has been facing health challenges—and now, balancing a network of over 130 retail dealership franchises across 14 states has made travel more difficult. Addressing his limited appearances, he said,
“I think my job is during the week, when the crew chiefs are back here, knowing what they need. I’m trying to run 100 dealerships, and I’ve also had an operation on my leg, but I do have the ability to listen to every guy and to monitor what’s going on.”
— Rick Hendrick, Owner of Hendrick Motorsports.
Despite the constraints, Hendrick continues to play a vital behind-the-scenes role, offering support and insight while keeping a close watch on his teams’ progress. With his trademark humor and humility, Hendrick added,
“So hopefully you’ll see me more next year. But I kind of like my role, I can watch, listen, and critique. No, I’m just kidding. Really, those guys know what to do. Jeff and I are there from the beginning to the end of the race, except for handing the phone to the driver; he doesn’t do that part as well.”
— Rick Hendrick, Owner of Hendrick Motorsports.
As the newest NASCAR Cup champion is crowned, Hendrick is expected to remain a constant presence—whether on site or in spirit—encouraging top drivers like Kyle Larson and William Byron, both of whom aim to further solidify Hendrick Motorsports’ dominance with yet another championship at Phoenix.
Paving the Way for the Future of American Racing
Keselowski’s 2027 hypercar plans represent a compelling evolution for RFK Racing, Ford, and for the wide world of American motorsport fans. With international events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans attracting increasing attention, the move could mark the start of a new era in which NASCAR talent and resources are brought to bear on the global endurance racing scene. The integration of experience from industry stalwarts like Jack Roush, and inspiration from Rick Hendrick’s model, underpin Keselowski’s determination to carry forward a legacy of innovation, competitiveness, and cross-series collaboration.
If Ford follows through with their bold intentions, and if Keselowski is entrusted with leadership of the American branch, the effort could spark meaningful change in how U.S. teams engage with the world’s most demanding circuits. Fans of both NASCAR and endurance racing may soon witness an exciting new chapter, where history, ambition, and engineering excellence converge for the next generation of motorsport achievement.
“Ford is building a Hypercar for 2027 that is going to compete at Le Mans and maybe the United States. And if it competes in the United States, I’d like to own that team”
-Brad when asked about owning an IMSA team pic.twitter.com/iA9XruN8nl
— RFK Racing (@RFKracing) November 1, 2025
