RFK Racing paid heartfelt tribute to its longest-serving employee, Edgar Aleman, in an emotional farewell at Phoenix Raceway as the 2025 season closed. The RFK Racing tribute to Edgar Aleman marked the end of an era, recognizing his decades-long influence on the team’s fortunes and celebrating his significant role in shaping its winning legacy.
Edgar Aleman: The Heart of RFK Racing’s Success
In 2008, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. moved from sprint and midget car competition into stock car racing with RFK Racing—then known as Roush Fenway Racing—quickly developing an admiration for team founder Jack Roush and his dedicated crew. The recent announcement of Aleman’s departure stirred deep emotion throughout the garage, highlighting the powerful bond between drivers like Stenhouse and the unsung heroes behind the scenes.
Jack Roush, the influential leader of RFK Racing, emphasized Aleman’s impact with a meaningful tribute:
“Edgar is an example of the very best of our employees that have helped us have the success with wins and championships that we’ve had,”
— Jack Roush, Team Founder. His acknowledgment underlined how Aleman formed the backbone of the team for nearly half a century, powering legendary success from behind the scenes.
A Legacy Built from Dedication and Skill
Aleman’s remarkable journey began in the late 1970s, working as a talented mechanic in Puerto Rico. His expertise caught the eye of Roush during a visit to a local drag strip, and Aleman was soon recruited as the team’s very first employee. From 1978 forward, he became the driving force behind Roush’s thriving race operations, contributing to famous victories and overseeing the legendary performance of Mark Martin’s No. 60 Xfinity car.
Although Aleman rarely sought recognition, his expertise resonated every race weekend, with engines he carefully prepared giving RFK Racing its competitive edge for nearly 47 seasons. Mark Martin, an icon known for his 40 NASCAR Cup Series wins, reflected on their years together:
“Edgar was the engine man on the 60 car the entire time I drove it. He was a fantastic friend and team member. Congratulations, Edgar.”
— Mark Martin, NASCAR Cup Series Winner.
As both team and fans celebrated Aleman’s remarkable career, drivers past and present recounted the personal influence of his dedication and skill throughout their time with RFK Racing.
Emotional Tributes and Lasting Memories from the RFK Family
The news of Aleman’s retirement drew kind words from many, including Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who began his stock car ascent with Roush Fenway Racing and won his first ARCA RE/MAX Series event at Kentucky Speedway under Aleman’s watch. Stenhouse shared his appreciation for the departing craftsman:
“Loved working with Edgar, we had some fantastic times. Congrats on a great career and enjoy retirement. He knew how to tune some engines!!”
— Ricky Stenhouse Jr., NASCAR Driver.
Throughout his final years, Aleman continued to serve the team as an Assembly Mechanic, a role emblematic of his unwavering commitment. To commemorate his unparalleled dedication, Jack Roush presented Aleman with a personalized RFK Racing helmet and, in a poignant gesture, gifted him the toolbox that had been his companion through years of hard work and passion.
The Enduring Influence of an Unsung Team Member
Edgar Aleman’s retirement closes a pivotal chapter for RFK Racing, marking the departure of a foundational figure responsible for countless victories, championships, and career-defining moments for drivers like Mark Martin and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. As the team bids farewell to its legendary mechanic, the impact of Aleman’s expertise and commitment will remain embedded in RFK Racing’s legacy, inspiring present and future crew members in the pursuit of excellence both on and off the track.
Today Jack Roush bid farewell to his FIRST ever employee.
"Edgar is an example of the very best of our employees that have helped us have the success with wins and championships that we've had." – Jack
A little about Edgar; Edgar was born in Puerto Rico, where he met Jack Roush… pic.twitter.com/AFRyi9X5mP
— RFK Racing (@RFKracing) November 12, 2025
Edgar was the engine man on the 60 car the entire time I drove it. He was a fantastic friend and team member. Congratulations Edgar 🏁 https://t.co/KZyGuT1yZN
— Mark Martin (@markmartin) November 12, 2025
Loved working with Edgar, we had some fantastic times. Congrats on a great career and enjoy retirement. He knew how to tune some engines!! https://t.co/4Encn9Aaov
— Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (@StenhouseJr) November 13, 2025
