Brad Keselowski's departure from RFK Racing took a significant step forward on Saturday, October 31, 2026, when he was granted permission to pursue a driving role with another team for the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season. The move, announced at Martinsville Speedway, also sets the stage for the sale of his 20% equity stake in the privately held organization.
According to a statement released by RFK Racing and reproduced by Sports Illustrated, Keselowski will transition to a "passive investor" role, relinquishing all governance responsibilities, competition oversight, and board participation. This separation of management duties from ownership is a critical distinction, as his financial interest in the team will persist until the stake is sold.
The equity disposal, however, remains a separate and unresolved process. Keselowski confirmed to reporters that he is beginning the process of selling his 20% stake, but no buyer, sale price, or closing date has been disclosed. The published accounts provide no cash valuation for his holding, leaving the remaining four-fifths of RFK's equity in the hands of other owners without a clear allocation.
Key Details of the Stake Sale
- Equity Stake: 20% of RFK Racing, with no agreed valuation or closing date.
- Management Role: Ends immediately, with Keselowski becoming a passive investor.
- Driving Contract: Expires after the 2026 season, with no 2027 destination announced.
- Release Timing: Verbal permission granted on October 31, with written terms still anticipated.
Keselowski described the agreement as verbal and expressed hope for written terms soon. The Associated Press reported that his release came just one hour before he addressed the media, ending restrictions that had prevented him from negotiating with other teams despite his contract expiring.
This development follows an earlier failed attempt by Keselowski to acquire RFK Racing outright, according to Racing News. The unsuccessful buyout bid, which also lacked a disclosed price, highlights the complex financial dynamics at play. The proposed minority-stake sale now represents a separate path for Keselowski to monetize his investment while pursuing his driving ambitions.
The disagreement that led to this split centered on Keselowski's role. The Tennessean reported that he wished to continue racing after his current contract, while his partners preferred he focus on off-track responsibilities. Saturday's agreement allows him to pursue his driving preference elsewhere, though his next racing role remains unsettled.
Sports Illustrated noted that Keselowski has received several Cup Series offers for 2027 and beyond, and he retains interests in operating a Truck Series team. However, these remain uncompleted plans, and Keselowski himself acknowledged that next season is not guaranteed.
Implications and Risks
The equity disposal carries no disclosed buyer, price, or completion timetable, representing a significant execution risk. Written release terms and a funded 2027 racing agreement are also pending. The timeline for the stake sale is distinct from the driver release and contract expiration, with no date set for the transfer of ownership.
Keselowski also told the AP that he has not held meaningful talks with Dodge or Ram, but his release now permits discussions with any manufacturer. Which team will sign him, and when the 20% stake will change hands, remain open questions for investors and NASCAR fans alike.
