Brad Keselowski, co-owner and driver of the No. 6 Ford for RFK Racing, wrapped up his NASCAR Cup Series 2025 campaign ranked 20th, after a year dotted with strong runs but lacking a victory. The Brad Keselowski 2025 season review reveals a story of resilience, competitive spirit, and moments that came agonizingly close to triumph.
Keselowski, guided by crew chief Jeremy Bullins, closed the season without a win, marking the first time RFK Racing finished winless since 2021. Occupying the lowest slot among RFK’s three-car roster, Keselowski, Chris Buescher, and new teammate Ryan Preece all landed just outside the playoff bracket. All three drivers found themselves in contention for wins, only to fall short at critical moments.
Last-Lap Drama and Key Races That Defined the Season
The most dramatic heartbreak for Keselowski unfolded during the final race at Phoenix Raceway. In a thrilling overtime, Keselowski led on the final lap, but as he entered the last corner, he drove in too deep, losing control of the lead. Ryan Blaney seized the opening, passing Keselowski’s No. 6 Ford and clinching victory, while Keselowski was left pondering another what-could-have-been finish in Phoenix.
Beyond Phoenix, Keselowski’s efforts in Iowa stood out as his strongest of the year. Starting fifth at Iowa Speedway, he led 68 of the 350 laps in the Iowa Corn 350, displaying both speed and savvy pit strategy. A divergent set of pit calls in Stage 2 briefly put Keselowski in the driver’s seat. However, William Byron executed a bold fuel stretch over the final 144 circuits, relegating Keselowski to a third-place finish. The result boosted Keselowski’s standing in the Cup Series, nearly pushing him into playoff contention down the final stretch of the season.
Podium Finishes Highlight Promise and Frustration
Keselowski’s campaign featured several other podium-worthy performances. In Atlanta, he led 46 laps and even had the white flag in sight, but teamwork between Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman propelled Elliott to edge out Keselowski, who took another second-place finish. The pattern repeated at the annual night contest in Bristol, where Keselowski led late in the race and looked poised to play the role of playoff spoiler. A late-race caution, followed by a scramble during the final restart, let Christopher Bell surge ahead. Once again, Keselowski was forced to settle for a hard-fought second spot.
Assessing the Numbers and Historical Context
Keselowski’s 2025 season numbers tell a story of consistent competitive runs, if not outright wins. He tallied six finishes inside the top five, 13 in the top 10, and led 222 laps across the campaign. However, his average starting position—20.9—was the lowest since his first full Cup Series year in 2010, illustrating challenges in qualifying pace. Keselowski also continued a 114-race drought without a pole, his last coming at Texas Motor Speedway in September 2022.
Keselowski Reflects on the Season’s Challenges
Keselowski spoke candidly about the team’s near-misses and the road ahead, emphasizing the importance of converting strong performances into wins.
“We had a few flashes, but didn’t get any wins. So, you know, that’s what we need to do in this sport right now. It’s what it rewards. We had a couple really good runs, like Iowa was probably our best race, and a handful of seconds. So just need to convert those into wins going forward.”
– Brad Keselowski, summing up his year on the eve of the Phoenix season finale.
Looking Forward: Milestones and Future Plans
As Keselowski prepares for 2026, RFK Racing appears committed to retaining its expanded three-driver lineup, with him remaining a central figure. Keselowski has suggested the team is keeping a close eye on Ford’s IMSA sports car operations, hinting at future diversification that would connect to Jack Roush’s legacy of sports car success. A milestone awaits Keselowski in the coming season, as he is set to make his 600th Cup Series start at Martinsville on March 29—an elite achievement reached by only 34 drivers in the history of NASCAR’s premier series.
The Brad Keselowski 2025 season review underscores a year marked by resilient performances, flashes of excellence, and persistent heartbreak. As both a competitor and co-owner, Keselowski’s ability to rebound from adversity will be central to RFK Racing’s pursuit of victory in the seasons ahead.
