Preece is comfortable with taking Brad Keselowski’s seat in order to secure a permanent charter for himself.
Ever since the 2026 season started, RFK Racing’s most promising prospect, Ryan Preece, was unsure about his future. RFK Racing was set to lose their third charter to Legacy Motor Club. This meant that Preece’s full-time ride was in jeopardy, and he would end up driving an open car next year. What made the situation worse was that Preece was displaying his best form in the Cup Series so far.
He won the first race of his seven-year NASCAR career in 2026 with RFK Racing and qualified for the Chase, giving RFK Racing a much-needed boost in the spotlight. Until the last week, all hope seemed lost as RFK Racing had not secured a third charter, and there was no availability of the same in the market. But Brad Keselowski’s departure from RFK Racing has opened up a free spot for Preece to drive in a full-time ride for the 2027 season.
No matter what, Preece would prefer that his career move forward
The situation that Ryan Preece is in currently is less of a logistical issue and more of a moral dilemma. Preece has undoubtedly learned a lot from Keselowski’s presence on the team. Somewhere, even he knows that he knows his victory to Keselowski’s mentopship and undying confidence in his talent. Moreover, Keselowski had made clear when he was the owner of RFK that he didn’t want Preece to lose a full-time ride next year and would want to acquire a third charter for him.
Now that Brad is going to part ways with the team, his spot is going to open up. And Preece’s performance is good enough to be considered for the same. But will he want to race in the same car that his mentor abandoned over personal disagreements?
“I want to think that most people that are coming to RFK want to work with Chris, myself, Brad, and everybody. I think for me he was a good teammate. I got nothing to say but great things about Brad, but I understand the sport. I have been on the side of where things don’t go your way,” Preece replied during an interview posted by Bob Pockrass.
“I am comfortable with being uncomfortable. It would probably be nice to go to Daytona knowing that we could lock ourselves in, without even needing to qualify in the top 2. I have been a part of that rodeo before. It’s nice to be on the side where you are chartered.”
With the way things are proceeding forward, there is a clear indication that Brad Keselowski won’t return to RFK Racing. It’s a golden opportunity for Ryan Preece, even though it involves being in an uncomfortable position with his former teammate and mentor. Unfortunately, that’s how the sport works, and Preece can’t afford to gamble with this seat if he gets the chance to race in it.
