Brad Keselowski pulls back the curtain on the ‘catalyst’ that instigated RFK to sign SHR’s lone free agent

Brad Keselowski has opened up about the catalyst that prompted RFK Racing to field a third Cup Series car in the 2025 season and tap Ryan Preece for the campaign. Preece was the only Stewart-Haas Racing driver without a contract for the next season but inked a full-time deal during the silly season.

RFK Racing had a bittersweet Cup Series season. On one hand, Keselowski earned his maiden victory since entering his co-owned outfit at the Darlington Raceway and made the playoffs. In contrast, his teammate Chris Buescher couldn't make the playoffs, and Keselowski failed to advance to the Round of 12.

Buescher came inches close to winning a regular-season race at the Kansas Speedway but lost to Kyle Larson by a historic 0.001 seconds. Thus, his sole victory at Watkins Glen was during the 10-race playoff slate, which didn't help in the title fight, as he was never in the playoffs.

Keselowski expressed that RFK was stern about a dominant performance before beginning the season but lacked optimal execution, paying the price through their lackluster results. As a result, their current performance needed enhancement, becoming a 'catalyst' for major changes.

"The playoffs were a big disappointment for us in 2024. We entered thinking we're going to be really strong, we just never really got through the first round with any speed, had a little bit of bad luck, and not the best of execution. Amongst those three (Atlanta, Watkins Glen, and Bristol) we got eliminated early and it was probably the catalyst for a number of changes," Brad Keselowski said.

The 'biggest' change was leasing a charter from Rick Ware Racing and adding the #60 Ford for a full-time Cup schedule.

"Adding a third team is the biggest change for RFK. Bringing in more talent with Ryan Preece, new crew chiefs, race engineers...when I look at Ryan Preece, I see a lot of Chris Buescher in him. I don't think he's been in the best situations throughout his career and I'm committed to putting him in situations where he can win."

It's worth mentioning that Ryan Preece was already linked to joining RFK, provided the team expanded to three cars.

"I’m really eager and excited": Ryan Preece opens up about partnering with Brad Keselowski for his NASCAR future

SHR's announcement about terminating its operations after the end of the 2024 season created a big movement in the driver market. Chase Briscoe, Josh Berry, Noah Gragson, and Ryan Preece were the Cup Series drivers on the verge of becoming free agents in 2025.

However, shortly after the shutdown news, hiring began in rival teams. Briscoe secured a contract with Joe Gibbs Racing, Berry got tapped by Wood Brothers Racing, and Gragson inked a deal with Front Row Motorsports. Preece was the lone driver who was without a seat next season.

After RFK finalized the charter lease, Preece's entry into Brad Keselowski's organization became a reality.

“It’s [an opportunity] that I’m really eager and excited for. It’s somewhere that these guys had speed last year. I mean, you look at how many weeks in a row that Brad Keselowski and Chris [Buescher] finished top two or top three and had some extremely good stats and found Victory Lane. So for me, it’s a great opportunity, one that’s filled with pressure," Preece said via NASCAR.

The former SHR driver will reunite with his former JTG Daughtery Racing (now HYAK Motorsports) teammate Chris Buescher. Moreover, Kroger will sponsor all RFK Racing cars beginning the 2025 season as they recently switched from HYAK Motorsports.