In recent races at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Iowa Speedway, RFK Racing has demonstrated significant progress as both Brad Keselowski and Ryan Preece delivered top-five finishes that have caught the attention of NASCAR fans and analysts alike. Keselowski secured fifth place in the Brickyard 400 and improved further with a third-place finish in the Iowa Corn 350, while Preece achieved a fourth and fifth in those respective events. These results mark the first time since 2012 that RFK Racing has had multiple drivers finish in the top five in consecutive races, highlighting the resurgence of the industry team originally founded by Jack Roush.
The notable achievements also show a collective upward trajectory for the drivers on the team, which includes Chris Buescher, who finished 22nd in Iowa. The consistency from Keselowski and Preece, especially, signals a promising direction for RFK Racing as they aim for stronger performances and potential playoff contention this season.
Drivers’ Outlook and Team Ambitions for Playoffs
Though no RFK Racing driver has yet clinched a playoff berth, Keselowski remains confident about their chances, particularly with three races left in the regular season. He shared with the media,
I feel like we can win any of these next three races. That’s a good feeling.
—Brad Keselowski, Co-owner and Driver
This optimism reflects not only their recent performances but also the urgency to secure wins to elevate the team‘s postseason prospects. Keselowski emphasized that victories will be crucial for their competitive edge.
Strategic Moves and Key Performances in Recent Races
Ryan Preece faced challenges early in the recent Iowa race, running outside the top 25 for much of the initial portion. However, strategic cautions during the final stage helped him climb the ranks, allowing a top-five finish that contributed to the team’s overall success. Meanwhile, Chris Buescher’s day was less impressive, as he completed the race in 22nd place driving the Ford Mustang Dark Horse.
Next Challenges: Preparing for Watkins Glen and Beyond
The final phase of the regular season features three pivotal races at Watkins Glen, Richmond, and Daytona, which will determine RFK Racing’s fate for the playoffs. Watkins Glen appears to be a particularly promising venue, given Chris Buescher’s win at the track in the previous year. Success there could be a crucial stepping stone for the team.
Ryan Preece has expressed confidence that maintaining the level of performance he showed during the closing laps at Iowa will be key to achieving a strong finish at upcoming events. After a series of three consecutive top-10 results, Keselowski currently holds 21st in the standings. Meanwhile, Buescher and Preece remain close in points, separated by just 23, battling intensely for the final playoff spot.
The closing stretch of the season will be critical, unfolding on one of the toughest road courses where RFK Racing’s drivers will face high-stakes competition as they push toward the postseason.
Reviving RFK Racing’s Legacy and Playoff Hopes
The back-to-back top-five finishes signal a major turning point for RFK Racing, a team seeking to reclaim its former stature dating back to the Jack Roush era. With Brad Keselowski and Ryan Preece spearheading these efforts, the team is generating new momentum and optimism across the organization.
As the Cup Series season enters its final regular contests, the performances of each driver will be closely watched, given how they could reshape the playoff landscape for RFK Racing. The upcoming races at Watkins Glen, Richmond, and Daytona will be decisive in determining whether this forward surge can translate into postseason success and possibly a return to Victory Lane.
