<pJoey Hand, a distinguished Ford factory driver, has been quietly instrumental in supporting Brad Keselowski’s success on NASCAR road courses throughout 2024 and 2025. Originating from Sacramento, Hand gained early recognition by winning the Star Mazda Series before moving on to earn major endurance racing victories. These include co-winning the 2011 24 Hours of Daytona in the GTLM class, securing a class victory at the 2012 12 Hours of Sebring, and standing atop the podium in the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans LMGTE Pro category driving the Ford GT for Chip Ganassi Team USA. His extensive background in international sports car racing has contributed valuable experience to NASCAR’s increasing focus on road courses.
Since his NASCAR Cup Series debut in 2021 at the Charlotte Roval, driving the #52 car for Rick Ware Racing, Hand has steadily expanded his presence on the circuit. His participation in events such as the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), Sonoma Raceway, Road America, the Indianapolis Road Course, Watkins Glen, and the Charlotte Roval provided him with vital road course expertise. While his on-track finishes were modest, Hand emphasized offering steady composure and precise driving skills that the complex layouts demand, strengthening his reputation off the spotlight.
Building Trust: Hand’s Integral Role Within RFK Racing and Ford Performance
Joey Hand’s consistent ability behind the wheel quickly earned him trust within the Ford Performance community and RFK Racing. His involvement extended beyond driving as he engaged deeply in simulator work and technical advancements, becoming a key figure in the development of the Gen-7 Ford Mustang for <a href="https://www.big14news.com/nascar/”>NASCAR. He provided critical feedback on road course setups, testing, and race strategies that contributed to the team’s growing competitiveness.
Hand’s commitment and technical input paved the way for his prominent role in RFK Racing’s #60 car efforts on road courses. At the 2024 Chicago Street Course, Hand demonstrated his street circuit proficiency by advancing from the back of the grid to a stage victory and a career-best 4th-place finish, marking his strongest NASCAR performance to that point. This breakout run highlighted the synergy between Hand’s racing instincts and RFK’s strategic execution.
“Joey Hand out in the wild in Brad Keselowski’s pit box Hand has been on standby this weekend for Keselowski with him and his wife expecting their fourth child.” —Steven Taranto, NASCAR reporter
Reflecting on his entry into RFK’s team preparations, Hand said,
“It basically started with the meeting last Wednesday with the team I’m running with, the crew chief, engineer…doing pit stop practice, looking at the NASCAR rules again to refresh my memory. I’ve done seven total before, so I have a feeling it’s more of a refresher course on all the stuff… Man, the driver’s driving a racecar… it’s not easy but obviously it comes naturally because you can do it all your life.” —Joey Hand, Ford factory driver
Standing Ready: Supporting Keselowski Through Personal and Racing Challenges
During the 2025 NASCAR season at Watkins Glen, Brad Keselowski balanced the pressures of championship contention with significant family commitments, as he and his wife awaited the arrival of their fourth child. This situation necessitated contingency planning within RFK Racing’s team structure. Joey Hand was positioned in Keselowski’s pit box, prepared to step in if needed. His presence not only assured continuity on the track but also provided Keselowski with peace of mind during this critical period.
Hand shared his enthusiasm for contributing to the team’s road course program, particularly highlighting his Chicago engagement:
“Brad [Keselowski] and I have gotten close doing sim stuff, and he was like, ‘hey, you want to do Chicago?’ I said absolutely. I do not turn down races, pretty much.” —Joey Hand, Ford factory driver
Hand’s role as a dependable backup driver and mentor underscores the importance of specialized knowledge within the evolving NASCAR landscape. His ability to remain calm and focused under pressure serves as an asset not only on race day but also when the team faces moments of transition.
Joey Hand’s Broader Impact on NASCAR and RFK Racing
Beyond his driving duties, Hand offers significant guidance to RFK Racing’s roster, particularly in managing the physical and mental rigors of road course competition. His international endurance racing background equips him to share critical insights into fitness, racecraft, and vehicle dynamics. This mentorship supports younger or less experienced drivers as they refine their technique, especially around challenging braking zones and racing lines.
Hand’s contributions extend to fostering team cohesion through his professionalism and measured temperament. His role during phases of driver changes and strategic adjustments has provided necessary stability, promoting a culture that values patience balanced with calculated risks. This atmosphere benefits RFK Racing’s ongoing competitive development.
As NASCAR continues to integrate more road course events into its schedule, the inclusion of specialists like Joey Hand highlights the sport’s shift toward embracing diverse skill sets. His continued collaboration with Ford Performance and RFK Racing exemplifies a focused commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance, with the goal of securing victories on increasingly demanding circuits.
