The partnership between Brad Keselowski’s RFK Racing team and Castrol will remain intact, despite a major corporate restructuring by British Petroleum (BP) involving a multi-billion-dollar transaction. In 2026, fans can expect the Brad Keselowski Castrol sponsorship update to feature Castrol continuing as a core supporter, even as the brand transitions into a new joint venture following BP’s $6 billion sale of shares to Stonepeak.
RFK Racing, short for Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, currently runs three Cup Series cars: Keselowski drives the No. 6, Chris Buescher pilots the No. 17, and Ryan Preece is behind the wheel of the No. 60. All three teams have relied on Castrol’s sponsorship since 2019, forming a relationship that has become a foundation for their operations and competitive consistency.
NASCAR industry developments were summed up this week with,
“@BP_plc sold a 65% majority stake of @Castrol this month to an investment firm to reduce its debt, but Castrol is still expected to remain a sponsor of @RFKracing in 2026, per the team.”
– Adam Stern, NASCAR insider
The arrangement means BP will hand over 65 percent of Castrol’s global business to investment group Stonepeak, while retaining a 35 percent stake. The deal is set to form a new joint venture and is expected to be finalized over the next year. Valued at $10.1 billion, this sale is mainly aimed at reducing BP’s debt while preserving involvement in the vital lubricants market.
Partnership Strengthens as On-Track Success Continues
For RFK Racing, continuity is vital. Castrol has been more than a sponsor, helping the team notch six NASCAR Cup Series victories since their partnership began. In 2024, Keselowski gave Castrol its first win at Darlington, competing in a retro TOM’s scheme for an eventful triumph. Their collaborative efforts have also powered multiple Playoff appearances and a range of technical projects and integrations with Ford across motorsport disciplines. Both sides committed to a contract extension earlier in 2025, underlining trust in their alliance.
In the most recent Cup season, Keselowski displayed Castrol’s colors at three events, Buescher at two, and Preece at seven—demonstrating the depth and breadth of the brand’s involvement. Alongside other vital supporters—such as BuildSubmarines.com, Fastenal, Solomon Plumbing, Kroger, Esperion, Nexlizet, and Consumer Cellular—Castrol’s presence has contributed to RFK Racing’s long-term stability ahead of upcoming seasons.
Keselowski Focused on Rehab After Injury
Navigating a testing offseason, Brad Keselowski is balancing the relief of retaining Castrol sponsorship with his recovery from a recent leg fracture. The RFK Racing co-owner and lead driver broke his leg during a family skiing trip earlier this month. Following surgery, he is recuperating at home, prioritizing rehabilitation before the 2026 campaign begins.
This period of recovery was highlighted on social media, as Keselowski shared,
“When you’re down but not out. PB&J time with Maize while serving broken leg bedtime sentence.”
– Brad Keselowski, driver and co-owner
Looking ahead, the Clash at Bowman Gray is set for February 1, and the Daytona 500 will follow two weeks later. RFK Racing and Ford have reserve drivers at the ready if Keselowski’s recovery timeline is extended, but the expectation remains that he will return once medically cleared. The stability provided by Castrol and other backers puts the organization in a strong position, as the team and its partners adapt to changes in ownership and new challenges on and off the track.
.@BP_plc sold a 65% majority stake of @Castrol this month to an investment firm to reduce its debt, but Castrol is still expected to remain a sponsor of @RFKracing in 2026, per the team. pic.twitter.com/j6J8tzvzWv
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) December 31, 2025
