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RFK Racing president Steve Newmark said Friday the team is “very optimistic” about adding a third full-time NASCAR Cup Series franchise in 2025. “We’ve started to explore how we can expand with a third car,” Newmark said on SiriusXM. NASCAR Radio.
. “We’ve made progress in that direction. Hopefully we’ll have a third car next year.” The idea of adding a full-time third car to their RFK lineup has been discussed throughout the season, but gained momentum while offseason continues. RFK co-owner Brad Keselowski addressed the possibility during Cup Series media day at the Charlotte Convention Center and said he had no news to share about whether RFK would expansion to three charters next season.
Keselowski told Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports that it would be another month or so before he has anything finalized or has anything to say on the matter. is a two-car company committed full-time to the Cup Series since 2017. Keselowski currently drives the lead car no. 6, while Chris Buescher is behind the wheel of the No. 17.
The two have played a key role in RFK’s revitalization, winning a combined four races since the start of the 2023 season. In addition to Keselowski and Buescher, RFK has had several drivers behind the wheel of the No. 60 for some races this season. David Ragan reached the Daytona 500, while Cam Waters was behind the wheel at Sonoma. Joey Hand piloted the car to a 4th place finish in July’s Chicago Road Race.Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic reported Wednesday that RFK is planning on acquiring a third charter, either purchasing or leasing, and they plan to put Ryan Preece into that car for 2025. With Stewart-Haas Racing closing up shop after the 2024 season, Preece’s future has been uncertain. He has struggled through 26 races, sitting 28th in the points standings with two top-10s and one top-five finish.
Kroger, one of the biggest sponsors in NASCAR, is leaving JTG Daugherty Racing after this season, and has ties to both Preece and Buescher. The supermarket chain sponsored two years with Buescher and three years with Preece when each drove for JTG Daugherty. It now appears Kroger will be following Preece to RFK.
Newmark said the team wanted to be cautious about expanding, worried that if they went too quickly it could set them back as a whole.
RFK Racing close to announcing third full-time Cup Series charter?
“Think we’ve been open over the last couple years. And it’s a question that we’ve obviously gotten a lot particularly based on our history. And the size that we used to be,” Newmark said. “There’s no doubt that Jack [Roush] always said if he could run 10 teams, he would love to do that. He obviously had five teams in the Cup Series before some of the rules changed. And Brad [Keselowski] and Jack are both very likeminded on that. The last few years we’ve actually had some opportunities to expand.