Brad Keselowski 99 car return may be on the horizon, as the RFK Racing co-owner and driver has set the NASCAR community abuzz by teasing the historic No. 99’s possible comeback for Ford. Discussions have intensified after Daniel Suárez’s exit from the car, opening the door for Keselowski and his team to potentially revive the iconic number and reestablish its deep ties to Roush and RFK Racing’s celebrated past.
RFK Racing’s Ambitious Expansion and Legacy Roots
Entering the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, RFK Racing has taken bold steps to expand its presence, now operating with three Ford entries. Brad Keselowski manages driving duties for the No. 6 car, which was made famous by Mark Martin, and also acts as team co-owner. Chris Buescher carries on the storied tradition of the No. 17 Ford, a number closely linked to Matt Kenseth and a Cup title win. For 2025, the organization grew its lineup by leasing a charter to add the No. 60 for veteran Ryan Preece, signaling a determination to compete with powerhouse teams like Team Penske and Hendrick Motorsports.
Despite these aggressive moves, Keselowski’s focus has turned toward something even more meaningful: resurrecting the legendary No. 99. The number holds significant importance in NASCAR, particularly under the Roush banner—RFK’s predecessor—where it found fame with drivers Jeff Burton and Carl Edwards. Burton took the Exide Batteries-liveried Ford to 17 victories from 1996-2004, before Edwards assumed the seat mid-2004 and went on to score 23 wins, elevating the No. 99 to legendary status before his eventual retirement.
No. 99’s Journey Across Teams and the Latest Opening
After the number’s retirement by Roush, the iconic 99 resurfaced with Daniel Suárez at the wheel for Trackhouse Racing, this time on a Chevrolet. Suárez’s stint ran from 2021 through the end of the 2025 season. However, with his announced departure, uncertainty emerged regarding the car’s next pilot and even the fate of the 99 number itself. Trackhouse recently released a sentimental video featuring Ross Chastain, Connor Zilisch, and Shane van Gisbergen—noticeably omitting the No. 99 from its future plans or any reference to a successor for Suárez. This deliberate absence stoked immediate speculation among fans and insiders that now might be the perfect time for RFK to reclaim its historic number and put it back on a Ford Mustang in Cup Series competition.
https://t.co/mU09JAoHB8 pic.twitter.com/QoPLHgHKMq— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) November 7, 2025
Team Strategies: Charter Negotiations and Number Swap Speculation
This latest intrigue isn’t only about nostalgia; it’s intrinsically tied to RFK Racing’s operational plans and strategic decisions. To expand to three cars in 2025, RFK leased the No. 60 charter from Rick Ware Racing on a single-season agreement, signaling the trial nature of their new third entry. Looking ahead, acquiring a permanent charter remains a primary target for the team if they wish to establish a lasting three-car operation. Any move to reintroduce the No. 99 would most likely coincide with efforts to secure this permanent spot on the grid, using the number’s prestigious history as both inspiration and marketing leverage.
Fan-driven rumors quickly filled social media, envisioning the return of the No. 99 to Ford as a way to reconnect with the team’s greatest achievements, especially under Carl Edwards. The notion is not without precedent, as the combination of storied numbers with present goals often reignites fan interest and organizational pride.
Fan Engagement: Debating the Legacy and Possible Drivers
The prospect of the 99’s return has sparked wide-ranging conversations within NASCAR’s fan communities. Some fans make light of the connection between past and present, hinting at Ryan Preece’s recent on-track acrobatics and referencing Carl Edwards’ trademark backflip celebrations after winning. One fan joked,
This is on brand as Preece has been doing backflips with his race car.
highlighting the quirky blend of old-school and modern driver antics.
Edwards, famous for turning celebratory backflips after race wins, left a legacy that stands in contrast to some of the wild incidents witnessed by Preece, including his dramatic barrel roll at Daytona in 2023 that resulted in hospitalization and prompted renewed safety efforts by NASCAR.
Another vocal suggestion from fans for the ideal driver-number combinations proposed,
What if Ryan Preece drives 6, Chris drives 17, and Brad drives 99? Bingo!
This emphasizes the emotional power these car numbers command, with each deeply intertwined with RFK’s periods of dominance and historical touchstones—No. 17 recalls Kenseth’s title run, while the No. 6 marks Mark Martin’s leadership. Keselowski’s move to the No. 99 would create a high-impact trio for the organization, both statistically and symbolically.
Other fan theories focus on possible new faces for the revived car. Cam Waters, known for his Ford Performance successes in Australia, has already made limited NASCAR appearances with RFK through their Stage 60 initiative. In 2024, he ran the No. 60 Ford Mustang at Sonoma and saw additional seat time in the Truck Series with ThorSport Racing, prompting a supporter to muse,
Cam Waters to the 99 RFK Mustang confirmed?
Corey Heim’s stellar 2025 campaign was another hot topic, especially after he claimed the Truck Series title and set a new single-season win record with 12 victories. His profile as a winner in palindromic car numbers led a fan to say,
Heim would look great in the 99. Heard he wins races and a championship in a palindromic number.
suggesting Heim’s addition might ignite a new era for the celebrated number.
Rounding out fan suggestions was a creative proposal focused on both present and future ambitions:
Switch 60 to 99 and restart the Busch program with the 60 number.
The No. 60 carries a distinctive legacy from the Xfinity Series, with 93 wins making it a benchmark for Ford’s development program. Moving the Cup number back to 99 would enable the team to honor its Cup history, while relaunching the No. 60 in the Xfinity Series would keep RFK’s pipeline for emerging talent strong and closely aligned with its greatest past glories.
The No. 99’s Symbolic Importance and the Road Ahead
Beyond simple number changes, the widespread debate highlights how deeply the No. 99 matters to die-hard NASCAR fans and to RFK Racing’s brand identity. Its legacy encapsulates championship runs, driver rituals, and moments that defined a generation of racing. The possibility of its return, especially with someone like Brad Keselowski at the helm, taps into a powerful blend of tradition and ambition that could transform both team and series narratives for years to come.
While no official announcement has come from Keselowski or RFK Racing about a concrete plan, the mounting hints and emotional resonance among fans suggest the organization—and the NASCAR Cup Series itself—could soon witness a significant moment in motorsports history. As negotiations continue and social media speculation runs high, the community remains on alert for any move that might bring the iconic 99 Ford Mustang back into the championship fold.
With nostalgia running high and the stakes for competitive legacy at their peak, the potential Brad Keselowski 99 car return is fast becoming one of the most talked-about stories ahead of the 2025 NASCAR season, drawing in longtime followers and new fans eager to see if history will truly repeat itself on the track.
https://t.co/mU09JAoHB8 pic.twitter.com/QoPLHgHKMq
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) November 7, 2025
