Upon hitting the one week mark in this countdown, there are only 33Â Days to Daytona left. In a little over a month, the Cup Series will take to Daytona International Speedway for Daytona 500 Qualifying. Among those will be Brad Keselowski in his #6 RFK Racing Ford. After a bounce back season in 2023, what is in store for this team in 2024?
#6 RFK Racing
Driver: Brad Keselowski
Crew Chief: Matt McCall
Sponsors: BuildSubmarines.Com, Castrol, Solomon Plumbing, King Hawaiian, Fastenal
2024 Season Preview
98-Race Winless Streak
Not since spring Talladega in 2021 has Brad Keselowski visited victory lane in a points paying race. Keselowski has won a duel race as a driver-owner, but that does not break up the streak. Last season, Keselowski had multiple races where he looked competitive for the win. Essentially all of the superspeedways saw Keselowski run near the front with a chance to win. In addition to the drafting tracks, Keselowski had race winning speed at Richmond, Michigan, and Las Vegas. It feels that the question is “when” rather than “if” the streak is broken this year. With back to back superspeedways to start the season, the streak could fall before it hits 100 races.
Championship Dark Horse
While Chris Buescher racked up the wins last year, arguably Brad Keselowski and the 6 team were the stronger team. The pit crew won the award for best crew of the 2023 season. Keselowski often qualified better and gathered over 100 more stage points than his teammate. However, Keselowski and the 6 team often found worse luck (look at the entire Round of 8). With that speed and the updated playoff schedule, Keselowski is a dangerous driver for the competition. Much like Ryan Blaney last year, Keselowski advancing to the Round of 8 could make him a favorite to win it all.
Road Course Hurdles
There are rumors that Supercars driver Cam Waters will be running 3 road course races for RFK Racing in the Stage 60 car. If those reports are true, maybe Waters will run Chicago as a warm up then sub in for Keselowski at Watkins Glen and the ROVAL in the playoffs during the first caution. Joke aside, the main hurdle to a Brad Keselowski Championship Four appearance are the two road courses in the first two rounds of the playoffs. The ROVAL eliminated Keselowski last season, while his overall performance on the road courses left a lot to be desired. While it is possible for Keselowski to sweep the superspeedways, he needs to improve quickly on the road courses if he has to point his way through.
Daytona 500 Chances
At some point, Brad Keselowski has to win the Daytona 500. He is too good of a superspeedway driver to miss out on this crown jewel. To be fair, the same was said about Tony Stewart and he is missing the Harley J Earl trophy from his collection. However, something feels different about Keselowski. Especially with how the RFK duo has drafted at the superspeedways, Keselowski feels like a favorite at every pack racing track. Much like Denny Hamlin, Keselowski demonstrates that there is skill to superspeedway racing.
Speedweeks Outlook
If you read the Chris Buescher preview, essentially copy and paste that over here. Keselowski will likely qualify outside the Top-10. However, he will be a presence in his duel race. Keselowski has led double digit laps in his duel race 3 times in his career. Whether he has teammate help or not, Keselowski will find his way forward. As for the Daytona 500, Brad Keselowski will win or wreck trying. The strategy will likely see the (hopefully) three RFK entries link up in the closing laps to protect the lead for one of them to win.
Previous Days
40-36 Days: 40 – #12, 39 – #5, 38 – #24, 37 – #20, & 36 – #11
