RFK Racing is facing immense challenges during the current NASCAR Cup Series season, as both its co-owner and drivers deal with serious physical setbacks but remain highly competitive on track. The RFK Racing NASCAR season challenges are highlighted by the perseverance of Brad Keselowski and Ryan Preece, who continue to power through adversity as they compete at the top level.
Brad Keselowski Battles Through Injury
Brad Keselowski, who not only co-owns RFK Racing but also competes as a driver, is enduring one of his most demanding seasons to date, largely due to a lingering injury. After suffering a broken femur in a ski accident last December, Keselowski requires a cane and shows a noticeable limp, yet maintains an uninterrupted presence on the track, having completed every lap across the first three races of the 2026 campaign. Despite uncertainty about his participation in last week’s event at Circuit of The Americas, Keselowski chose not to hand over the No. 6 Ford to backup driver Joey Hand, pushing through pain to secure a 20th-place result and 17 valuable championship points in Austin, Texas.
Preece Points Out Keselowski’s Leadership
Now in his fifth year steering what Jack Roush originally established, Keselowski’s determination has not gone unnoticed by teammates. Ryan Preece, entering his second season in the No. 60 Ford, remarked on the high standard set by his fellow driver and team co-owner. After a past shaped by fighting for his place in NASCAR, including seasons spent with JTG-Daugherty Racing where he had to qualify for every event on speed and a period without a full-time ride, Preece values the attitude Keselowski brings to the garage.
“I can appreciate it because the things that I’m going to put myself through to race, so is Brad,”
Precce said during a Wednesday media teleconference.
Preece explained how he recognized a shared mindset with Keselowski, observing that both are willing to subject themselves to whatever is necessary for competition.
“I know there was a lot of conversation last week at COTA around, man, is Brad going to race? But as a race car driver, what I see him doing every day, and then as a race car driver, like, you weren’t taking him out of that race car because you wouldn’t take me out of that race car. So I think, you know, as a racer and the family that he came from and the family that I come from, we’re taught at a very young age – that’s what makes us different. We’re willing to do whatever it takes to compete.”
– Precce, Driver
Preece Overcomes His Own Obstacles
Ryan Preece has faced his share of hardship, both behind the wheel and in his personal journey through NASCAR. Though he previously raced with Stewart-Haas Racing and endured a harrowing wreck at Daytona in 2023—rolling his car repeatedly down the backstretch—he endured only minor injuries and returned to the track just days later at Darlington Raceway. Following that ordeal, Preece raced with bloodied, almost swollen-shut eyes, underscoring his resilience.
Last Sunday brought another test for Preece at the sweltering Circuit of The Americas, where his cool suit failed early in the race. Despite the oppressive Texas heat, Preece managed an 18th-place finish, his best showing at the road course in his past four attempts. Reflecting on that effort, he said,
“I was plenty beat up or feeling it a bit, but I was plenty fine to drive that race car to its ability,”
Preece explained, reflecting on the weekend. Those are the races that define you and your race team. Yeah, 18th was the end result, but between yesterday and today, I’ve been thinking about, been going back and watching some on-car (cameras) from other cars around us, and probably some things that I could’ve done better to get us to a 16th or 15th, maybe. But that’s the name of the game. You’re going to have days where you wish you would’ve done things a little different or reacted to situations a little different, but the deal is you got to move forward to the next week.”
Preece’s approach to setbacks is clear, as he added,
“The clock resets at midnight, and you move on. That’s what our focus is: moving onto Phoenix.”
– Precce, Driver
Team Standings Reflect Determination
Despite the physical toll and competitive hurdles, RFK Racing has started strong this season. All three RFK drivers—Chris Buescher, Brad Keselowski, and Ryan Preece—are ranked within the top 16 in championship points. Buescher leads the RFK contingent in 11th position, with Keselowski close behind after nearly winning the Daytona 500, and Preece rounding out the group in 16th place. Alongside Spire Motorsports, RFK is the only organization with all of its entries currently holding spots above the provisional cutoff for The Chase, underscoring the brand’s consistency and resilience.
Looking Ahead for RFK Racing
RFK Racing’s ability to maintain competitiveness despite continuous challenges highlights the tenacity of its key figures and the solidarity within the team. As the NASCAR Cup Series schedule moves toward Phoenix, the performance and determination of drivers such as Keselowski and Preece serve as inspiration for fans and set a tone for the remaining season. The relentless effort to overcome injuries and setbacks further solidifies RFK Racing’s position as a force driven by passion and endurance in the RFK Racing NASCAR season challenges.
