RFK Racing is preparing for the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series season with strong aspirations to make a triumphant return to Victory Lane, following a rare winless campaign in 2025. With adjustments in driver and crew chief pairings, along with renewed determination across the roster, this RFK Racing 2026 season preview examines whether veteran expertise and new synergies can restore the team’s prominence.
Building on Past Performance to Reclaim Success
Heading into the 2026 season, RFK Racing continues its partnership with Ford and Roush Yates Engines, maintaining consistency in car performance and team infrastructure. The lineup features Brad Keselowski paired with Jeremy Bullins (No. 6), Chris Buescher teaming with Scott Graves (No. 17), and Ryan Preece joining forces with Derrick Finley (No. 60). Despite not reaching the Cup Series Playoffs in 2025, the team demonstrated noticeable growth, particularly in the final stretch of the season, signaling potential for improved results.
Co-owner and driver Brad Keselowski came closest to victory, registering three runner-up finishes—including two during the playoffs at Bristol and the season finale in Phoenix. Both Keselowski and Buescher secured top ten spots at Phoenix, while Buescher and Preece led the non-playoff drivers in the overall standings. This foundation of competitive finishes and growing team chemistry sets an optimistic scene for 2026.
Brad Keselowski Faces New Challenges and Opportunities
With 16 full-time Cup Series seasons and 593 starts, Brad Keselowski’s vast experience remains a major asset. The 2012 Cup Series champion is determined to return to Victory Lane following his last win at Darlington in 2024, after going winless throughout 2025. Despite this, Keselowski managed three runner-up performances, including in the high-profile Phoenix finale.
Keselowski begins the new season recovering from a broken leg sustained during an offseason ski trip, which may temporarily affect his performance. Nevertheless, the veteran—now 41 years old—remains highly motivated. Last season saw him lead only 222 laps, his lowest since 2010, and post his lowest average race finish since 2022, but his consistency in top-five and top-10 results suggests he remains a formidable competitor. A strong showing at the Daytona 500 could energize both his season and the entire RFK Racing organization.
Chris Buescher’s Consistency Anchors Team Effort
Chris Buescher, with 10 full-time seasons and 365 starts, enters 2026 as a cornerstone for the team. Although Buescher did not secure a win in 2025—the first time this happened since 2021—he amassed 16 top-10 finishes, the most among his teammates, highlighted by a runner-up performance at Michigan. His 47 laps led marked a personal low since 2020, yet he still claimed 17th place in the standings, topping all drivers who missed the playoffs.
Buescher’s ongoing partnership with crew chief Scott Graves continues to be a source of stability. A former O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion, Buescher has demonstrated his capability to contend for victories on diverse tracks such as Daytona, Bristol, and Watkins Glen. At 33 years old, he remains a credible weekly threat and a potential playoff contender.
Ryan Preece Makes Significant Strides in First Year
Ryan Preece, now in his sixth full-time season and with 223 starts, made remarkable progress in his debut year with RFK Racing, outpacing his prior records. Preece secured three top-five finishes and 14 top-tens—both triple his career bests—which included tying his top finish with a third place at Las Vegas. His solid concluding performances, with three top tens in the last four races, reflected successful collaboration with new crew chief Derrick Finley.
Preece’s ability to lead laps at a wide range of tracks throughout 2025 showcased improved versatility, raising both his and the team’s expectations as he heads into 2026. At age 35, the New England native has become a consistent contributor to RFK’s revitalized ambitions.
What Lies Ahead for RFK Racing in 2026
The stage is set for RFK Racing to translate the steady gains of 2025 into tangible success during the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. Strong leadership from Keselowski, Buescher’s reliability, and Preece’s upward momentum, combined with evolving crew chief dynamics, provide causes for optimism. The team’s collective drive to break a winless streak and rejoin playoff contention will be closely watched by fans and competitors alike. With the Daytona 500 and a full schedule ahead, all eyes are on whether RFK Racing’s determination will finally return the team to the winner’s circle.
