RFK Racing, under Brad Keselowski’s guidance, is focused on reclaiming its position as a leading NASCAR team. However, the organization faced a significant hurdle this week after losing longtime team president Steve Newmark, who has led the team for 15 years. Newmark will be joining the University of North Carolina as an Executive Associate Athletic Director, beginning later this summer.
Newmark has been a crucial figure throughout RFK Racing’s recent phases, helping oversee the team’s downsizing under Jack Roush’s ownership and its ongoing rebuilding efforts with Keselowski at the helm. When asked about this transition, Keselowski acknowledged the natural changes within the sport and reflected on Newmark’s impact.
Whether it be drivers, crew chiefs, or executives. You just hope that the time people spend in your organization is good for them and good for you. I think there is a lot to be said for that with Steve.
—Brad Keselowski, Team Owner
Currently, RFK Racing fields three competitive teams led by Keselowski, Ryan Preece, and Chris Buescher, but losing a key executive like Newmark during this critical rebuilding phase could have affected their progress.
Keselowski’s Approach to Finding a Successor
Despite Newmark’s departure, Brad Keselowski remains steady and confident about the future. He emphasized that RFK Racing is in no hurry to appoint a new president. Keselowski outlined that the team is well-positioned, with key driver and crew chief contracts secured, as well as the majority of their sponsor agreements in place, allowing them time to evaluate the right candidate carefully.
We are still working through that. We are not in a rush. We are in such a great spot. All our major contracts are locked up with drivers and crew chiefs, and most of our people. We have a few small sponsor contracts, but most of our big ones are locked up. So, we feel really good about taking our time and seeing what comes to us.
—Brad Keselowski, Team Owner
This deliberate approach signals Keselowski’s commitment to maintaining stability while continuing to pursue RFK Racing’s goal of restoring its former NASCAR prominence.
Steve Newmark’s Vision for NASCAR’s Future Growth
Although Steve Newmark will step away from RFK Racing, he shared his perspective on the direction NASCAR should head toward. In an earlier discussion on Backstretch Banter, Newmark expressed interest in expanding the sport globally, naming Brazil as a particularly exciting potential market due to its rich motorsport culture.
He also noted emerging interest from regions like the Middle East and their desire to host NASCAR events, which he considers positive for the sport’s growth.
To me, a lot of these locations that are being talked, you hear the Middle East would love to host a race. Again, I am not on the inside of those discussions. I get a lot of it from our team presidents’ meeting or when NASCAR shares information. But I think those are all good signs for the sport.
—Steve Newmark, Former RFK Racing President
Importantly, Newmark stressed the need to keep the sport’s established American fan base engaged even as NASCAR explores new international opportunities. His departure marks a turning point for RFK Racing, but his insights provide a hopeful blueprint for future expansion and innovation within the sport.
Implications for RFK Racing’s Ongoing Development
Brad Keselowski’s tenure at RFK Racing remains dynamic amid these leadership changes. His steady hand and strategic patience in managing the transition highlight an overall optimism about the team’s prospects. With core contracts secured and a vision for gradual rebuilding, RFK Racing aims to continue building momentum as it pursues renewed success in NASCAR.
As the team moves forward, Keselowski’s focus will likely remain on securing a leadership replacement who can uphold the team’s culture and drive future growth, while addressing the challenges and opportunities Newmark identified for the sport overall.
