During NASCAR’s lengthy break in racing in favor of the Olympic Games, Roush Fenway Racing officially announced the addition of Brad Keselowski to the organization’s driver roster and ownership group, beginning in 2022. He’ll replace Ryan Newman as driver of the #6 Ford and teammate to Chris Buescher. As part owner of RFR, Keselowski will head the team’s competition committee. His duties as team co-owner will increase upon his retirement from driving.
“I’m truly excited about this partnership with Brad,” said RFR co-owner Jack Roush. “I think it will bring a lot to the organization, from not only Brad’s ability behind the wheel, but a rejuvenation and fresh perspective across our teams. I’ve had the opportunity to watch Brad for a number of years, as he has fought and clawed his way up the ladder, molding himself into a champion and one of the top drivers in our sport. I’ve always admired his resolve and determination. I’m very pleased that he has chosen to be a part of our organization and I’m proud to partner with him moving into the future.”
Newman has been offered an opportunity to continue driving for Roush Fenway on a part-time basis next season. Whether of not he will accept that opportunity has not been determined.
Newman has driven the #6 RFR Ford since 2019 after stints with Richard Childress Racing, Stewart-Haas Racing and Team Penske.
Keselowski was a team owner in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series between 2008 and 2017. In 305 starts, Keselowski has 11 wins as a Truck Series team owner and finished second twice in the series’ owners’ championship.
“I am thrilled to be able to share the news about this next venture with my fans, peers, and the industry,” Keselowski said. “This presents an opportunity to continue my on-track success with a strong team and a long-term commitment, but also dive into my passion of team ownership where I know I can be an asset to the future of the team. I am optimistic about what Jack, John [Henry, RFR co-owner] and I can accomplish together, especially with a new era for our sport on the horizon [with the Next Gen car]. Our goal is to win races and compete for championships at NASCAR’s top level, and we plan to do just that.”
In acceptance of his new positions at Roush Fenway Racing, Keselowski will vacate the #2 Team Penske Ford driver’s seat at the end of the 2021 season. Austin Cindric will replace him there.
Keselowski has been with Team Penske since 2010. He won the 2010 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship in 2010, the first NASCAR national-series title for the team, and the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series championship, Penske’s first in NASCAR’s top series. Keselowski is a 35-time winner in 435-career Cup Series races, with 34 of those wins coming with Penske.
Keselowski is ninth in the Cup Series driver points standings, 22 races into the 36-race 2021 season. He has one win, so far, this season at Talladega Superspeedway.
