# Brad Keselowski and RFK Racing transition > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/brad-keselowski-and-rfk-racing-transition > Updated: 2026-09-30T14:54:42.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Brad Keselowski’s 2026 NASCAR Cup Series campaign has been marked by competitive challenges and a significant organizational shift. Following a mid-season slump, Keselowski failed to qualify for the championship Chase, finishing the regular season 18th in the standings. Despite this, his team, RFK Racing, maintained a presence in the postseason through teammates Ryan Preece and Chris Buescher. By the end of the season, it was announced that Keselowski will depart RFK Racing following the conclusion of 2026. This departure ends his five-year tenure as the No. 6 driver, co-owner, and head of competition. While the specific reasons for the split were not officially disclosed, reports suggest that contract negotiations with the RFK board had broken down. Keselowski has indicated he is not ready to retire from driving. His exit leaves a high-profile vacancy at RFK Racing, with John Hunter Nemechek emerging as a primary candidate to fill the No. 6 Ford seat as the team undergoes restructuring. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-30: Brad Keselowski to depart RFK Racing after 2026 season Brad Keselowski will leave RFK Racing after the 2026 season, ending his role as driver and co-owner. John Hunter Nemechek is a leading candidate to fill the resulting vacancy in the No. 6 Ford. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brad-keselowski-to-depart-rfk-racing-after-2026-season ### 2026-08-31: Brad Keselowski misses 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Chase Brad Keselowski will miss the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Chase after finishing 18th in the regular season, though RFK Racing teammates Ryan Preece and Chris Buescher have both qualified. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brad-keselowski-misses-2026-nascar-cup-series-chase --- Cite as: Brad Keselowski and RFK Racing transition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/brad-keselowski-and-rfk-racing-transition