Rumors are circulating that RFK Racing, the team co-owned by Brad Keselowski, is considering the addition of a third full-time car to their lineup. This move is reportedly driven by the team’s desire to avoid the substantial expenses associated with running an open car. Currently, RFK Racing fields two cars driven by Brad Keselowski and Chris Buescher. Keselowski, who has secured a spot in the Cup Series Playoffs this year, hinted at the possibility of an expansion but has not yet provided specific details. He suggested that an official announcement could be forthcoming in the next few months.
The speculation about a third team gained momentum following RFK Racing’s recent acquisition of the Kroger sponsorship package. This new sponsorship came after the team ended its longstanding partnership with JTG Daugherty Racing. Securing this sponsorship is seen as a positive step towards expanding the team, as it provides additional financial backing that could make the addition of a third car more feasible.
Ryan Preece, currently with Stewart-Haas Racing, is rumored to be the prospective driver for the new car. RFK Racing is reportedly interested in Preece because they believe he has not yet realized his full potential as a Cup driver. The team sees an opportunity in Preece, believing that he could thrive within the positive environment at RFK Racing, which has shown improvement since Keselowski joined as co-owner in 2022.
The potential expansion to a third car marks a significant shift for RFK Racing, as they have only fielded two cars since 2017. RFK Racing President Steve Newmark has acknowledged the challenges associated with expanding the team’s lineup. In previous years, the team had opportunities to grow but chose to decline them due to concerns about the potential growing pains that could arise from expanding too quickly. Newmark emphasized the importance of being cautious and ensuring that the team was in a strong position before making such a significant move.
Despite these challenges, Newmark has pointed to recent positive developments as reasons for optimism. The increased sponsorships and improved performance on the track have given the team more confidence in their ability to successfully manage a third car. Newmark has expressed hope that RFK Racing will be able to field a third car next year, but he also acknowledged that there are many factors that need to be addressed before the expansion can be finalized.
As the team continues to work through the details of this potential expansion, Buescher and Keselowski are preparing for an upcoming race at Watkins Glen, which is scheduled for September 15. This race will be an important opportunity for them to demonstrate their competitive edge and further solidify their positions within the team.
The discussions about adding a third car reflect a broader trend in the NASCAR Cup Series, where teams are increasingly looking to expand their operations and secure additional resources to compete at the highest level. For RFK Racing, this potential expansion represents both a significant opportunity and a considerable challenge. The team’s ability to navigate these challenges successfully will be crucial in determining whether they can capitalize on the momentum from their recent sponsorship deal and on-track successes.
Overall, the potential addition of a third car to RFK Racing’s lineup is a topic of great interest and speculation within the NASCAR community. As the team continues to evaluate their options and work towards a final decision, fans and observers will be closely watching for any official announcements. The outcome of these discussions will likely have a significant impact on the team’s future and their ability to compete effectively in the Cup Series.
NASCAR Update: RFK Racing, led by Brad Keselowski, has opted against fielding a third team as an ‘open’ car while they continue their search for charters. The rationale behind this decision is…
