In 2024, Kyle Busch stunned the NASCAR world with a bold statement that still echoes across the garage: “Did JGR try hard enough to sell me? My answer to that is no.” Busch had parted ways with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2022 after M&M’s ended their long-time sponsorship. A two-time Cup champion and proven winner, Busch couldn’t secure a replacement sponsor with his No.18 team, leading to his eventual move to Richard Childress Racing. His departure was more than a contract dispute; it was a warning shot to the sport about the shifting sponsorship landscape.
Just a year later, his former teammate Denny Hamlin felt the same pain. After the departure of his longtime sponsor, FedEx, Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing struggled to find a full-time sponsor for his 2025 Cup season. JGR managed to land National Debt Relief and others as a patchwork, but fans raised eyebrows. “Sponsorship is hard to come by, and certainly, while it is such an important time in our sport to recognize that sponsorship dollars are not flowing like they used to, for sure,” Hamlin said earlier this year.
Now, as the 2025 season enters the summer stretch, whispers are surfacing around another Cup champion, Brad Keselowski. According to the latest NASCAR rumors, RFK Racing, where he’s both driver and co-owner, might be facing problems of its own. And the spotlight is shifting toward a $43.84 billion brand that was expected to secure the team’s future: Kroger.
Back in November 2024, RFK Racing announced a high-profile partnership with Kroger. It was a headline-grabbing deal. Kroger, one of the biggest names in grocery retail, was leaving JTG Daugherty and joining RFK for 2025. The move included a third car for Ryan Preece and promised activation from nearly 20 brands under the Kroger umbrella. On paper, it looked like a major win for Brad Keselowski and his team.
But just months into the 2025 season, rumors are already swirling. On Wednesday, the NASCAR Rumors IG page posted, “Don’t know for sure yet, but word on the street is there could be trouble in RFK paradise.” The cryptic post sparked immediate speculation about RFK and Kroger’s future. Fans began to question whether the grocery chain might already be pulling back from its deal. The timing of the speculation couldn’t be more awkward.
RFK Racing is set to host its annual Fan Day next week in Concord, NC, where a major sponsorship announcement is scheduled. While the team has remained tight-lipped, fans are now wondering if this “announcement” is a pivot away from Kroger or something meant to cover up a larger issue. One fan wrote, “People are saying Kroger is leaving, but they just joined this year. Why would they be bouncing already?” It’s a fair point. Kroger’s relationship with JTG lasted more than a decade. Walking away from RFK after just a few months would seem abrupt. Yet, with Brad Keselowski’s season crumbling, it’s not hard to see why panic is setting in.
Kansas was the lone bright spot, where he rallied from 36th to 2nd before a tire issue wrecked his day. Otherwise, it’s been a disaster: no wins, no top 10s, and not a single lap led. While Ryan Preece and Chris Buescher are putting together solid runs, Brad is struggling to stay relevant on track. Buescher and Preece both finished top 10 at Kansas and sit 12th and 16th in the regular season standings, respectively. Meanwhile, Keselowski is 33rd, with 5 DNFs accrued already! When your co-owner and flagship driver is underperforming, sponsors notice, and even long-time partners start asking questions.
In a sport where performance equals exposure, poor results can lead to business exits. However, there might be something else that gets under the table. Some fans feel that Brad Keselowski might swap crew chiefs! It’s not new in NASCAR or the ongoing season. But it will also be surprising considering how Keselowski and RFK racing roped in several talents last year to keep their hopes alive for the 2025 season. And forcing a change in it might not give a great message. But just for the information, we can’t forget that veteran crew chief Rodney Childers is currently a free agent.
So now, all eyes are on Fan Day, and not just for the free merch and autographs. Fans want clarity. Is Kroger truly backing away? Is RFK pivoting? Or is this just another NASCAR rumor with no traction? Whatever the case, the timing of the rumors and Keselowski’s on-track slump have cast a long shadow over what should have been a celebration for RFK.
NASCAR fans continue to figure out the Brad Keselowski rumor!
As soon as the rumor started making waves on the internet, fans were quick to take note. Kroger’s entry was one of the most publicized moves in the offseason. Leaving after just a few races doesn’t add up, especially given the brand’s long tenure with JTG Daugherty. But there is something. A user posted, “I smell a sponsorship/money issue,” and they might not be wrong. Kroger’s recent financials have shown tighter profit margins, and NASCAR sponsorships are not cheap.
While RFK has additional backers like Castrol and Fastenal, Kroger’s involvement is a major chunk. If the results don’t justify the spend, corporate heads could pull the plug. Another fan floated the idea of a leadership change: “I could see CC swaps.” That’s not far-fetched. With Buescher and Preece showing results, it might be time for Keselowski to make internal changes. Crew chief Scott Graves has been consistent for Buescher, while Keselowski’s team is struggling to find direction with Jeremy Bullins. A shake-up could be coming.
Multiple fans highlighted that Buescher’s No. 17 car went to the R&D Center after Kansas, and a penalty might be looming. One said, “17 car went to NASCAR R&D, I bet they found something.” Though not uncommon, the timing added fuel to the speculation, especially considering how strong Buescher ran that weekend, starting 2nd and finishing 8th. Was it a routine check, or something deeper? If Buescher gets a penalty, it will be a setback for RFK, considering he is the most consistent driver for them, and it would also be the second DQ in three races, as Ryan Preece was disqualified after a 2nd place finish at Talladega earlier this season.
Lastly, fans are puzzled by the timing of RFK’s Fan Day. One comment asked: “I saw them have a major sponsorship announcement soon, weird to see they are having trouble.” It’s a strange mix of optimism and concern. Is the event damage control? Or is a new brand joining to fill a gap left by Kroger or others? As the calendar counts down to Fan Day, the only certainty is this: something’s up at RFK. And in a sport where rumors often carry a kernel of truth, fans are watching closely.
Do you think RFK Racing is in trouble? Let us know in the comments!
The post NASCAR Rumor: Fans Points Fingers at Brad Keselowski’s $43.84 Bn Worth NASCAR Partner Amidst Reported RFK Racing’s Troubles appeared first on EssentiallySports.