RFK Racing is set to shake things up in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series with a bold move: adding a third car, the No. 60 Ford Mustang, and signing the struggling yet talented Ryan Preece. The decision raised eyebrows, but Brad Keselowski, the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series champion and RFK Racing co-owner, has made a strong case for the team’s controversial choice.
“Right Driver, Wrong Situation”
Keselowski drew a compelling parallel between Ryan Preece’s current situation and that of Joey Logano in 2012. Logano, once doubted after being let go by Joe Gibbs Racing, went on to become a three-time champion with Team Penske. Keselowski believes Preece’s story could follow a similar trajectory with RFK Racing.
“Joey Logano’s career in 2012, some pundits maybe said they didn’t think he deserved a Cup ride, and now it seems laughable since he’s won three championships,” Keselowski said. “It’s a testament to not being in the right situation.”
Keselowski emphasized that even the best drivers can falter without the right car and team. He sees untapped potential in Preece, citing his work ethic and raw talent as reasons for optimism.
“I don’t care who you are as a driver—if you’re not in the right situation, it’s not gonna work,” Keselowski added. “I see Ryan as someone who has talent and work ethic but probably hasn’t had the opportunities he needs to be successful.”
Preece’s Perspective: Excitement and Pressure
For Preece, the opportunity with RFK Racing is nothing short of a lifeline. After a lackluster stint with Stewart-Haas Racing, the driver is eager to capitalize on RFK’s recent success in the Next-Gen era.
“It’s one that I’m really eager and excited for,” Preece said. “You look at how many weeks in a row Brad and Chris [Buescher] finished top two or top three and had some extremely good stats. For me, it’s a great opportunity—one that’s filled with pressure.”
Preece knows the stakes are high. While the new ride offers a chance at redemption, it also brings significant expectations. Failing to match the performance of Keselowski and teammate Chris Buescher could jeopardize his long-term prospects in the sport.
RFK Racing’s Resurgence
RFK Racing has emerged as a force in NASCAR’s Next-Gen era, with consistent top-three finishes and trips to Victory Lane in 2024. The addition of a third car is a testament to the team’s growing ambition and belief in their ability to develop talent.
For Preece, this move could mirror Keselowski’s own career resurgence when he joined Penske in 2010, a gamble that turned into a championship-winning partnership.
The Path Forward
Keselowski’s faith in Preece is a gamble, but one rooted in the belief that the right environment can transform a driver’s career. If Preece can adapt to RFK Racing’s high standards and capitalize on the opportunities presented, he could rewrite his narrative in the Cup Series.
As Keselowski put it:
“Sometimes, all a driver needs is the right car and the right moment to prove they belong at the top.”
The NASCAR world will be watching as Ryan Preece takes the wheel of the No. 60 Ford Mustang, with both the opportunity of a lifetime—and the weight of expectation—squarely on his shoulders.