It is not new for a NASCAR driver to hon the role of a team owner, specifically after they have retired full-time. One such team co-owner who has been able to take a team from scratch to a high level is Brad Keselowski. As a co-owner Brad Keselowski has been phenomenal, given that this is his fourth year as a co-owner for the team. Since the time he has taken over the reins, the team has seen progression, and much of it has not always been publicized.
For a driver like Keselowski who enjoyed an illustrious career spread over two decades now, it seems as though the accountability and high pressure have been working in his favor. Citing the strategies he has been using, NASCAR veteran, Kevin Harvick recently put forth a careful analysis. Joining him in the conversation was Kaitlyn Vincie and Mamba Smith who resonated with the same feelings.
RFK Racing’s progress can be alarming for new drivers
The best thing about Brad Keselowski and his presence in RFK Racing is that he has got his act together both as a co-owner and as a racer. After he took over the authority of the team in 2022, there has been immense positive growth for the team. For the 2025 season, the team will be operating with three cars. RFK Racing was unable to bring forth any car for the NASCAR Cup Series 2024 playoffs and yet the zeal they showcased has been blissful. For the 2025 season, they are more than prepared, thanks to the mastermind that Keselowski is. The third car will be piloted by Ryan Preece from the Stewart Haas Racing team.
This comes as a great leap forward. Speaking on the kind of exceptional strategies that Keselowski masters, Harvick explained, “I think that we’ve seen the power of Brad Keselowski and the things that he can do with your race team just by his knowledge of what’s going on with the car, how it’s driving, the people, and the places. The improvements that they’ve made at RFK throughout the years are significant”. Not only that, this season has also seen Keselowski bringing his long-time crew chief, Jeremy Bullins back to his realms. Brad Keselowski and Jeremy Bullins are set to reunite as a driver-crew chief duo. This is the same partnership that previously secured five NASCAR Cup Series wins for Team Penske between 2020 and 2021. Bullins, an accomplished crew chief with 31 victories across NASCAR’s National Series, will take on the role of crew chief for the No. 6 Ford Mustang Dark Horse starting in 2025. This move sees Bullins stepping in for Matt McCall, who has served as Keselowski’s crew chief for the past three seasons.
During his tenure, McCall led the team to one victory at Darlington in 2024. Now, with Bullins back on board, Keselowski and his team aim to strengthen their competitive edge moving forward. Speaking of how Keselowski has been putting forth small steps together for the improvement of the team, Harvick further added, “The expectation isn’t to win just one race a year with Brad. The expectation is to race for a championship. And obviously, he felt like they weren’t at that point. When you look at Jeremy and the things that he and Brad have experienced together, Brad obviously felt like it was time for a change…….. Jeremy’s got experience. Brad and Jeremy obviously agree on what they’re doing, and they know they have to win more. In the end, the expectation is for Brad to race for a championship”. Harvick further added, “That gives you a lot of confidence that he can create a culture with a team very quickly—a winning type of culture”.
Kevin Harvick cautions that Keselowski’s strategic moves at RFK Racing, though subtle, are steadily transforming the team into a serious championship contender. With his calculated decisions, including reuniting with crew chief Jeremy Bullins and expanding to three cars, Keselowski is quietly building a powerhouse that rivals should not underestimate.
Keselowski shares his feelings about being a co-owner
Racing for a team is one thing. But taking up its entire functionality and ensuring that it regains its lost glory is what makes a co-owner accountable. Brad Keselowski has been known to be a great driver throughout his NASCAR journey, but now he has started to impress critics with his strategic co-owner moves. Speaking of how he has been juggling between the different responsibilities that have come his way. Keselowski added, “I feel like I went from eating at the restaurant to making the food and eating. The food always tastes a little better when you know you made it. There’s some pride that comes from that”.
He also recently shared about how he has been managing the various things on his plate and yet maintaining a balance. He added, “Whether it’s partners, employees, new processes, resources… There’s always something to be worked on. Of course, all the other non-fun stuff, like budget meetings and marketing meetings… But, like I said, you just feel more involved”.
Keselowski’s dedication to RFK Racing goes beyond just driving. It is quite evident that he is deeply invested in rebuilding the team’s legacy from the ground up. His hands-on approach to leadership shows that he’s not just competing on the track but shaping the future of the organization with every decision he makes.
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