RFK Racing displayed grit and determination at Phoenix Raceway, overcoming challenges to secure top-15 results in the NASCAR Cup Series race held in Avondale, AZ, on March 8, 2026. This RFK Racing Phoenix Recap highlights strong performances from Ryan Preece, Chris Buescher, and Brad Keselowski, showcasing each driver’s tenacity as the team pushed through setbacks for a rewarding afternoon in the Valley of the Sun.
A Team United by Perseverance at Phoenix Raceway
In a race marked by unpredictability and intense competition, RFK Racing banded together, ensuring each of its drivers left the desert with a sense of accomplishment. Ryan Preece led the charge, bringing the Body Guard Ford Mustang home in 13th place after advancing through obstacles and capitalizing on strategy calls. Chris Buescher powered to a 14th-place finish, recovering from a costly penalty, while Brad Keselowski rallied from the back of the field and a backup car to finish 15th. These results underscore the team’s unwavering focus and adaptability under pressure, vital ingredients for success at Phoenix.
Ryan Preece Fights Back After a Spin to Lead the Team
Ryan Preece, piloting the #60 Body Guard Ford Mustang, entered race day with confidence, feeling both speed and balance were on his side after Saturday’s practice. Launching from 13th on the grid, Preece established a steady pace, advancing to finish 11th in the opening stage. His crew chief, Derrick Finley, adjusted the car between stages, and Preece made the most of the changes, aggressively working the lower lines and seizing positions during restarts.
A key strategic decision emerged during a caution when the team chose not to pit, opting to retain a fresh set of tires for the final laps—a move that initially granted Preece the race lead but forced him to defend on older rubber. This calculated risk allowed him to save resources for the decisive stage.
As the intensity increased in the closing laps, Connor Zilisch’s loose entry triggered a collision, sending Preece spinning. The setback was brief; a cascade of cautions provided chances to regain lost ground. Demonstrating remarkable resolve, Preece surged forward to capture a 13th-place result, leading the RFK contingent. He credited teamwork and tactical decisions for making the most out of a demanding race day.
“We just need a little extra push.”
— Ryan Preece, Driver
“I felt like we had a really solid race car today,”
said Preece.
“The Body Guard Ford Mustang Dark Horse had good balance, and we were able to move forward through the field. The strategy call helped us for the final stage, and even after the spin we kept digging and made the most of the restarts. I’m proud of the effort from this team.”
— Ryan Preece, Driver
Chris Buescher Mounts a Comeback After Pit Road Penalty
Chris Buescher’s relationship with Phoenix Raceway has been positive in recent years, consistently delivering top finishes for the #17 Fry’s/Artesano/Kraft Ford Mustang. Entering this event with four top-10s in his last five Phoenix appearances, Buescher started 17th and made steady progress by remaining patient and providing valuable feedback to his crew, led by Scott Graves. Strategic adjustments improved the car’s handling, enabling Buescher to excel during the race’s middle segment and claim fourth in Stage Two.
Hope was high as Buescher ran inside the top five, with the car showing its strongest pace of the afternoon. However, a late-race pit road infraction saw NASCAR assess a speeding penalty, relegating him to 30th with little time to recover. Unwilling to accept defeat, Buescher charged through the field, taking advantage of late restarts and encouragement from his team to secure a 14th-place finish, a testament to his persistence despite the setback.
“An up and down day, but I’d say over all the team did a really nice job. We had great pit stops from this team all day long. Great strategy,”
said Buescher.
“I made a mistake on pit road and it cost us all of that track position there at the end. Ultimately we shouldn’t have been in that position.”
— Chris Buescher, Driver
Brad Keselowski Overcomes Practice Crash to Claim 15th
Brad Keselowski’s weekend began with adversity after a crash during practice forced him into a backup Consumer Cellular Ford Mustang, starting a distant 37th. Yet, Keselowski and his crew were undeterred, quickly adapting to the new car and making steady gains during the early stages. He noted that the backup performed almost identically to the primary car, showing promise for the remainder of the afternoon.
Through carefully timed adjustments and aggressive moves on restarts, Keselowski climbed the standings, taking a calculated risk to remain on worn tires during a caution and preserve a fresh set for the final stage. This tire strategy hinged on his ability to avoid losing a lap and proved effective.
A multi-car incident as Stage Three opened forced Keselowski to take evasive action, resulting in minor nose damage that affected his car’s steering. Nonetheless, he refused to yield, navigating the disrupted field and ultimately finishing 15th, gaining more than 20 spots from his start and exemplifying his signature resilience.
“It was a really hard-fought weekend,”
said Keselowski. I don’t think we had the weekend we wanted to have but we fought through it and got the best we could get out of it. Just want to be a little faster. I thought the pit crew did the best they could. There were tough circumstances with the pit stall, and they did a really good job managing that. We did a good job of managing starting last and having to go to a back up car and getting something out of this weekend.” — Brad Keselowski, Driver
Looking Ahead: RFK’s Next Challenge
The momentum built at Phoenix sets RFK Racing up for the next NASCAR Cup Series outing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Nevada. The team will take the lessons learned from the desert and look to convert resilience into even stronger results when the green flag waves on Sunday, March 15, at 4:00 p.m. EST on FS1.
Legacy and Leadership: The Foundation of RFK Racing
Now in its 39th season, RFK Racing boasts an ownership group featuring Jack Roush, Brad Keselowski, and John Henry of Fenway Sports Group. Founded by Roush in 1988, the team has earned over three hundred victories and eight championships, including back-to-back Cup Series titles in 2003 and 2004. Keselowski, a NASCAR Champion and former Truck Series owner, presents firsthand leadership on and off the track. The partnership with John Henry links the organization to globally respected sports franchises such as the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool F.C., and the Pittsburgh Penguins. RFK continues to be recognized not only for its performance in racing but also for its innovative marketing efforts throughout the motorsports world.
The Broader Impact of RFK Racing’s Phoenix Performance
RFK Racing’s strong showing in Phoenix underscores the importance of perseverance and strategy in NASCAR. With experienced figures like Derrick Finley and Scott Graves guiding their drivers and a culture emphasizing resilience, RFK proved capable of transforming challenges into commendable finishes. This weekend’s results demonstrate the potential for the team to remain a force in the Cup Series as the season progresses, keeping fans and competitors alike watching with anticipation for their next chapter in Las Vegas.
