Brad Keselowski Confirms Unsolicited Bid to Buy RFK Racing Was Denied

NASCAR driver and co-owner Brad Keselowski confirmed that his recent unsolicited bid to purchase RFK Racing in its entirety was denied by the team's other owners. Speaking to Sports Business Journal on Friday, the 42-year-old driver stated that he made a solid and significant offer, though the financial details remain undisclosed.

Keselowski joined RFK Racing ahead of the 2022 season as part of a driver-owner arrangement, holding a minority stake. His arrival sparked an immediate turnaround for an organization that had gone winless between 2018 and 2021, helping the team secure seven NASCAR Cup Series victories since he took on the role.

Despite the on-track progress, tensions arose regarding Keselowski's long-term future with the organization. RFK Racing wanted him to transition away from driving into a full-time management position. Because Keselowski intends to continue racing for several more years, the two parties failed to reach a consensus.

Consequently, Keselowski announced that he will leave the team at the conclusion of the season and is currently searching for a new racing ride for the 2027 campaign. RFK Racing, which declined to comment on the buyout offer, is co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Jack Roush and Fenway Sports Group.

The rejected buyout attempt comes amid broader discussions regarding the leadership style and culture at RFK Racing. Recently, anonymous employee critiques concerning workplace rules, such as a strict no-hoodie policy, circulated online and sparked public commentary from fellow figures in the racing community, including Denny Hamlin and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Addressing the online chatter about the shop's environment, Keselowski posted on X that he "didn't know so many people loved hoodies." Earnhardt defended Keselowski's efforts to revamp the workshop, noting that the team owner successfully improved the facilities to foster employee pride compared to how the shop looked previously.

With the ownership bid rejected and his departure confirmed for the end of the season, Keselowski remains focused on driving through 2026. As NASCAR team ownership values continue to rise following recent charter settlements, his failed buyout leaves questions regarding his future investments in the sport as he prepares to transition to a new team in 2027.