Brad Keselowski’s NASCAR team, RFK Racing, announced a significant leadership change on September 18, naming Chip Bowers as the new team president. Bowers steps into the role following Steve Newmark’s departure, bringing nearly 30 years of sports and venue executive experience to RFK Racing.
Newmark, who had been with RFK since 2010, left to take an executive position with the University of North Carolina’s athletics department starting in September. Chip Bowers, known for his extensive background in sponsorship sales and marketing, joins RFK Racing to enhance the team’s business operations and partnership development.
Chip Bowers’ Extensive Leadership Background Across Major Sports
Chip Bowers has an impressive resume spanning multiple professional sports teams. His career highlights include leadership roles with the Golden State Warriors, Miami Marlins, Orlando Magic, Seattle SuperSonics, and San Diego Padres. Additionally, Bowers held prominent commercial positions at Elevate Sports Ventures and similar firms, focusing on sponsorship and marketing strategies.
The North Carolina native’s deep understanding of building fan experiences and securing partnerships aligns with RFK Racing’s ambitions to strengthen its commercial presence and long-term growth.
“His extensive sales and marketing background will be a tremendous asset. He understands how to build meaningful partnerships and enhance fan experiences and that will help RFK Racing’s growth long term,” Brad Keselowski said in a statement.
Team Performance Struggles Impact Playoff Prospects in 2025 Season
RFK Racing currently fields three full-time entries in NASCAR’s Cup Series. Brad Keselowski himself races the No. 6 Ford, a car he competes in since becoming part-owner in 2022. The No. 17 and No. 60 cars are driven by Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece, respectively. Despite strong efforts, none of these drivers succeeded in making the 2025 playoffs.
Chris Buescher narrowly lost his playoff position by 30 points in the final races after failing to surpass Alex Bowman for the last playoff spot. Ryan Preece, a new addition to the team this season, was in a must-win situation at the Daytona race. Although Preece was positioned well in the closing laps, two Hendrick Motorsports cars blocked his path, ultimately ending his chances of advancing to the postseason.
Brad Keselowski came close to capturing his first victory of 2025 at the Bristol Night Race last week, finishing just 0.343 seconds behind race winner Christopher Bell.
Challenges and Future Prospects for RFK Racing
RFK Racing’s recent difficulties in securing playoff spots reflect the competitive intensity of the NASCAR Cup Series this season. Bringing in Chip Bowers as team president marks a strategic move to strengthen the organization’s sponsorship ties and overall business infrastructure. Such changes are aimed at supporting the racing team’s performance on and off the track.
With Brad Keselowski’s continued involvement as co-owner and driver, the team looks to build momentum going forward. Bowers’ expertise in sports marketing offers hope for generating new partnerships and expanding fan engagement, which could translate into better resources and results for RFK Racing in future seasons.
Looking Ahead: The Road for Brad Keselowski and RFK Racing
While 2025’s NASCAR playoffs did not feature RFK Racing, the leadership changes and focused efforts on commercial growth indicate a determined path forward. Keselowski, a respected name in the sport, together with Bowers’ business acumen, could position RFK Racing for stronger seasons ahead. The team aims to leverage these shifts to remain competitive and enhance their presence within the NASCAR community.
As the sport evolves, with growing attention on fan experience and sponsorship opportunities, RFK Racing’s investments in leadership and partnership development will likely be key factors influencing their competitive success.
