“The hack Ryan Preece”: Fans divided in speculating Brad Keselowski’s upcoming RFK Racing announcement 

2012 Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski hinted at a possible expansion of RFK Racing a few days ago. Veteran journalist Bob Pockrass confirmed that possibility in a recent X post, and the fans went gaga over it.

Pockrass said the announcement, which will most likely be about the third car, is due Tuesday. As of now, the team fields two entries: the No. 17 driven by Chris Buescher, and the No. 6 driven by Keselowski himself. Adding another car to its Cup Series roster could be a substantial step forward for RFK Racing (previously Roush Fenway Racing), a North Carolina-based outfit that was rebranded when Keselowski became a co-owner in 2022.

“RFK Racing says it has a major announcement Tuesday w/ Keselowski, Buescher & others,” Pockrass posted. “A PR person for Tad Geschickter's marketing company (that handles Kroger deal) also is on the advisory. When asked about 3rd car last wk, Brad said hopefully finalizing things within couple wks.”

Ryan Preece, who has had a connection with Kroger during his stay at JTG Daugherty Racing, is speculated to partner with RFK Racing this time. Throughout his previous stint at Stewart-Haas Racing, the Connecticut native delivered several top-5s and top-10s but didn't bag a win. A partnership with RFK Racing could be a fresh start for the Ford pilot.

Several fans reacted to the news, with one suggesting that Preece would fail his ride.

“The hack Preece is about to fail forward into a new charity ride!!!” the fan said.

However, another fan felt that Preece deserved the #60 ride with Kroger. They wrote,

“Preece in the 60 with Kroger??? Hope so. Ryan deserves it.”

Here are a few other reactions to the upcoming announcement by RFK Racing:

“welcome back to kroger racing ryan preece,” a fan commented.

“I just can’t believe they would bring Preece aboard. They need someone that can run some top tens and fives but not have low 20’s and even 30’s. Cup cars just aren’t his thing,” commented another.

“Hell yeah gonna make Preece a Cup winner,” a fan predicted.

As per Newsweek, Keselowski’s team could also form a new team under the IMSA series, also known as the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Previously known as the United SportsCar Championship, the United States and Canada-based racing series was formed due to a merger between the American Le Mans Series and Rolex Sports Car Series.

Brad Keselowski calls for a change in the current playoff format

Several drivers have voiced their opinions about the current elimination-style playoff format since Joey Logano was crowned this year’s NASCAR Cup Series champion, and Brad Keselowski was one of them. Following the championship race at Phoenix Raceway last Sunday, the Rochester native tweeted,

“2 things can be true at the same time- Joey Logano deserved to win the championship; This format doesn’t feel ideal for rewarding the NASCAR cup championship.”

Even Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson, who clinched a season-high six wins in 2024, and bagged the titular victory in 2021, demanded that the playoffs were a “little bit more fair.” For the racing aficionados, perhaps the biggest concern was that Logano finished 15th on points and yet, got to keep the series title.

According to a report by FOX,

“No driver as low as 15th in the regular-season standings had even made it to the Championship 4, let alone win the Cup title. But there was Joey Logano celebrating his third Cup title in this format.”

Notably, NASCAR has agreed to revisit the format ahead of the 2025 season. With the schedule for the upcoming season set already, it would be interesting to see how the playoffs get revamped.