Tuesday, the announcement that has been swirling has finally been made. Brad Keselowski will now drive for Roush Fenway Racing and go in on minority ownership stake with the team.
It was reported on earlier this season and today it was confirmed. Further confirmation came when Team Penske announced that Keselowski would be exploring other opportunities within the sport. Then Penske named Austin Cindric the replacement of the No. 2.
Keselowski will stay within the Ford family but make the switch to a Jack Roush ride that he has ownership in for 2022. He will drive the No. 6 Ford Mustang for the company and is now a part owner of Roush Fenway Racing. It was also announced that Keselowski will be a part in the competition side of things within the organization.
NEWS: Roush Fenway and @Keselowski have announced a partnership beginning in 2022 in which Keselowski will assume an ownership role and serve as head of the team’s competition committee, while piloting the team’s flagship No. 6 Ford Mustang.
More: https://t.co/bfuRS6XICZ pic.twitter.com/LOVI5rirmB
— Roush Fenway (@roushfenway) July 20, 2021
He will be leaving Team Penske where, Keselowski, has been for 34 of his 35 Cup Series wins. The 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Champion will be heading to Roush Fenway Racing in a leadership role. That role will grow throughout his time with the team. It will keep growing even past his driving days as he transitions into a leadership spot.
This isn’t Keselowski’s first ownership experience. He was a Truck Series owner from 2008 to 2017 grooming some of the top drivers in the sport today. Drivers like Ryan Blaney, Tyler Reddick and Cindric all drove for his truck series team.
In his 14 years in the Cup Series, Keselowski has won 35 times. He has recorded 219 top tens and 17 poles. In 2020, Keselowski placed second in the Championship standings behind Chase Elliott. A change in scenery for the 2012 champ will take some getting use to. However, Keselowski is looking forward to the change.
“I am thrilled to be able to share the news about this next venture with my fans, peers, and the industry,” said Keselowski. “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.”
Now Co-Owner of Roush Fenway Racing, Keselowski is mirroring a decision made by fellow owner and NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart. Keselowski stated during the press conference that Stewart had the same amount of wins and was the same age when Stewart joined forces with Gene Haas.
He is looking to do something similar with Jack Roush. The change comes at a right time for Keselowski because of the changes the sport is going through. This includes the new Next Gen car.
“I am optimistic about what Jack, John and I can accomplish together, especially with a new era for our sport on the horizon (with the Next Gen car),” Keselowski said. “Our goal is to win races and compete for championships at NASCAR’s top level, and we plan to do just that.”
Keselowski got his NASCAR start with JR Motorsports. Then he moved to Team Penske where he has spent his entire full-time Cup Series career. He has won 39 Xfinity Series races during his career.
Jack Roush inherits a proven winner and is extremely excited for the addition of Keselowski to the ownership team. A team that was once a force in the Cup Series, Roush’s performance has dropped in recent years. With Keselowski joining forces they feel they can turn the program around for the future.
“I’m truly excited about this partnership with Brad,” said 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.”
Keselowski become yet another driver to move into ownership roles in recent season. Stewart started Stewart-Haas Racing in 2008. Jeff Gordon announced in June that he would be leaving the FOX Sports booth for a larger ownership role at Hendrick Motorsports. Denny Hamlin joined forces with Michael Jordan to create 23XI Racing and Justin Marks, a former driver, has entered the ownership with Trackhouse this season.
Keselowski will move into the No. 6 Ford next season. He has his eyes set on closing out 2021 with a hopeful championship run with Team Penske.
Roush Fenway will post more information on further team announcements later.
