For the first time since adding Brad Keselowski as an owner, RFK Racing went winless on the season. Additionally, none of their three teams made the playoffs. Despite that, it would be tough to call 2025 a complete disappointment for the organization. Obviously, making the playoffs and/or finding victory lane are key factors in a successful season. That said, the addition of a third team did not hurt RFK Racing. In anything, the trio were as competitive as ever. There were a handful of races where a RFK entry had the best car, but bad luck or poor decisions led to the win slipping away. 2026 should see this team hungry to breakthrough for multiple victories. Sneakily, this could be an organization that gets all three drivers into The Chase. Will it happen though? That will be discussed in the 2026 Season Preview for RFK Racing.
#6 – Brad Keselowski
Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Crew Chief: Jeremy Bullins
2025 Points Finish: 20
2026 Announced Sponsors: Castrol, BuildSubmarines.com, Fastenal, Solomon Plumbing, Kroger, ESPERION, Consumer Cellular, Trimble
When the announcement of Jeremy Bullins jumping over to RFK Racing to sit atop the pit box for the 6 team, there were high expectations for Brad Keselowski. The duo found success together at Team Penske, so naturally the thought was that would continue. Unfortunately, Keselowski’s first half saw him find numerous stumbling blocks to spoil his season. Before too long, it was clear that Keselowski would have to win his way into the playoffs. To his credit, the owner-driver came close on numerous occasions. By the end of the 2025 season, the 6 team had hit their stride and were arguably the top performing RFK team.
2026 Expectations
If the end of 2025 is any indication, Brad Keselowski should have a bounce back season in 2026. The 6 team found their groove and almost nabbed numerous wins. Atlanta and Iowa were especially races where the 6 car looked to be the one to beat. After knocking off the rust, the Bullins/Keselowski pairing turned into a formidable duo. Keselowski has plenty in the tank left, so expect a statement season from the 6 team. Victory lane will be calling his name, especially Daytona after Keselowski injured his leg in the offseason. The story writes itself.
The Chase Format
As long as Brad Keselowski does not replicate his disastrous first half of last year, he should be a semi-safe pick to make The Chase. After only scoring 1 Top-5 and 2 Top-10s in the first 16 races, Keselowski rattled off 5 Top-5s and 11 Top-10s to finish the season. His average finish increased from a putrid 24.3 to a better 17.3. If you remove the road courses from that second half, the average improves to 13.4. Assuming that Keselowski starts the season as he finished 2025 (or his injured leg does not hurt him too badly), then there should be no issue finding his way into The Chase.
#17 – Chris Buescher
Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Crew Chief: Scott Graves
2025 Points Finish: 17
2026 Announced Sponsors: Fastenal, Fifth Third Bank, Castrol, BuildSubmarines.com, ESPERION, Travel Centers of America, Kroger, Trimble
There must be a dark cloud hanging over the head of Chris Buescher. The past 2 seasons have been trying ones for the 17 team. While being one of the most consistent drivers in the field, Buescher has been snakebit numerous times to keep him away from victory lane and the playoffs. A stumble in Turn 2 at Michigan cost him the win when the 17 was the fastest car. Being dumped twice at Talladega while leading the bottom line late in the race also spoiled potential wins. For this team, the departure of the playoffs is a welcome one.
2026 Expectations
2025 was the first season where Chris Buescher went winless in the Gen7 era. That will be bulletin board material for this team as they head into 2026. Expecting Buescher to win this year is not a stretch. The speed that this team has brought at places like Michigan, Charlotte, and Pocono should make Buescher a threat to win. Additionally, Buescher’s road course prowess could see him upset the Trackhouse duo at the 4 road courses. In terms of The Chase, Buescher’s consistency should see him make it with relative ease. His ceiling in The Chase might cap him around the Top-10, but that is an improvement from the past two seasons.
The Chase Factor
Outside of championship contenders, there is (likely) not a single driver more excited for this Chase format than Chris Buescher. Starting with 2023, Buescher has consistently put himself at or near the Top-10 in points. If not for win-and-in, Buescher would have qualified for the playoffs the past two years. Furthermore, unfortunate circumstances have cost the 17 team both wins and valuable points. In 2024, Tyler Reddick wrecking Buescher at Darlington was the difference between a playoff spot or not. Last year, a points penalty put the team behind the 8-ball. Without win-and-in, Buescher is the best bet from RFK Racing to make The Chase.
#60 – Ryan Preece
Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
Crew Chief: Derrick Finley
2025 Points Finish: 18
2026 Announced Sponsors: Kroger, BuildSubmarines.com, Castrol, Mohawk Northeast, Fastenal, ESPERION, Solomon Plumbing, Consumer Cellular, Trimble
When Ryan Preece was picked to pilot the third fulltime entry for RFK Racing, there was skepticism in the choice. Once a promising prospect, Preece’s time floundering with JTG Daugherty and Stewart-Haas Racing left many questioning his abilities. Preece quickly proved the doubters wrong as he put up a career season with the 60 team. It was a pleasant surprise see the Connecticut native thrive with his new team. Considering the conditions of his former two Cup stops, this easily was his best opportunity and he ran with it. Pairing him with Derrick Finley worked wonderfully as well, as the two worked well in making risky decisions that led to Preece finding the front often. Plus, the 60 team were excellent at working on a car throughout the race to vastly improve it.
2026 Expectations
Similar to his RFK Racing teammates, predicting Ryan Preece to find victory lane in 2026 is not a bold take. At the right track, the 60 car could be the best Ford in the field. Being the third team under the RFK umbrella did not hurt their performance either. Preece had as many races looking like the best RFK as his teammates did. If this continues, it would be difficult to envision Preece not making The Chase. However, the margin for error for him (as well as Keselowski) is narrow. RFK still needs to take the next step to jump from the B tier to the A tier. A couple of bad races could see Preece get stuck in the mid-teens in points.
The Chase Format
As mentioned above, Ryan Preece should be on the long list of drivers who are a threat to make The Chase. Based off of his 2025, he would be a Top-16 points driver. However, one season might not be enough to think Preece is a lock for The Chase. Much like Buescher though, the elimination of win-and-in should be a positive change rather than a detraction.
#99 – Corey LaJoie
Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images
2026 Announced Sponsors/Races: Trimble (Daytona 500)
Since Trackhouse Racing gave up the 99, the number is coming home to its rightful place at RFK Racing. In surprising news, RFK Racing announced that the 99 would return to attempt the Daytona 500. More surprising was the driver tabbed to pilot the entry: Corey LaJoie. LaJoie, who will also sub in for Brad Keselowski for The Clash, looks set to make at least 4-6 starts this season in the 99. According to LaJoie himself, the idea for this entry is to help RFK even the odds against the larger teams. Expect LaJoie to be firmly on the bumper of any fulltime RFK entry at Daytona and Talladega.
Catch up on the previous 2026 Season Previews
Hendrick Motorsports; Joe Gibbs Racing; Team Penske; Trackhouse Racing; 23XI Racing