2023 was the season both RFK Racing and its driver, Chris Buescher needed. After delivering three top-notch victories, the driver blasted his way into the playoffs, making the past season his best to date in eight years in NASCAR’s elite faction. In fact, Buescher’s back-to-back performances got him in the limelight as he established himself as a solid championship contender, bringing back the all-American manufacturer, Ford up to speed in grand style.

With the Texan prospering as he promised, learning from his mistakes, and improvising, the only question lingering in our minds is whether he can repeat his success and reap more in 2024. As the driver himself said, “I’m ready to see what 2024 brings for us.”

2023 season recap for the #17 Dark Horse driver Chris Buescher

After a rather long calling, NASCAR veteran Brad Keselowski‘s driver Chris Buescher got his breakthrough when he got through the regular season in 2023, the first time since 2016. Not only was the past season a major turnaround for the driver, but it was also a huge morale boost for the Ford camp and its fans in general.

While Ford behemoths like SHR lost their way in the fray and Team Penske got early setbacks, RFK Racing’s stand-out performance was more of a resurgence for the Ford, proving that consistency wasn’t just a thing for the Toyotas or the Chevys. His stellar win at Richmond was a teaser for what was about to come. Despite starting 26th on the grid, the #17 driver came right back, rallying to lead 88 laps to hold off veteran sensations, Martin Truex Jr and Denny Hamlin for his first win of the season.

He then proved his triumph was not just a fluke with another victory at Michigan International Speedway the following week. What followed next was Buescher and Keselowski’s landslide win at Daytona, where the duo finished a perfect 1-2 to head into the playoffs. While he lost momentum once the tournament got into the later elimination rounds, Buescher finished the season at a splendid 7th position with three wins, nine Top-5 positions, and nearly doubling his career single-season top-10 total (17). The 255 laps led by the driver this year were also a career-high metric.

WATCH THIS STORY: Veteran insider pens heartfelt message as Brad Keselowski expands RFK Racing’s key elements 

And with veteran Keselowski calling the shots for the Ford camp and his driver getting back to form, 2024 will certainly be a thriller for ardent NASCAR fans as the Texan will come out swinging, trying to beat his previous season finish of seventh.

The Keselowski effect on RFK Racing and Buescher

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The presence of the 2012 Cup Series champion, Brad Keselowski, quite literally changed the game for the downtrodden Roush Fenway Racing, as it revamped itself into RFK Racing. In fact, ever since the #6 driver took up ownership responsibilities, things have massively changed for the good. While Buescher rejoined the team in 2020 after switching bases multiple times going with Front Row Motorsports and JTG Daugherty Racing, it was the veteran’s profound influence that sparked the fire.

The team’s Coke Zero Sugar 400 was a prime example of this. The RFK Fords were on a stroll, being faster than the HMS Chevys or the ever-consistent JGR Toyotas. In the end, it was a perfect 1-2 finish for the team that came after a very long time with the veteran bumping his driver to the finish line.

READ MORE: Brad Keselowski’s Superstar Takes a Gibe at the Entire NASCAR Grid as He Fuels Drivers Daytona Misery

But can Buescher repeat himself in 2024? Well, the driver himself has the answer for that, expressing his optimism, and teasing his fans about a thrilling 2024 campaign.”I learned a lot this season, and from my personal side of things, I have a lot to learn, yet, some growth to figure out how to be more competitive at certain trace tracks still. And to mentally be more prepared for certain situations. Our sport is ever-evolving, but it certainly was a big year for our growth and figuring out how to be more successful, and I’m ready to see what 2024 brings for us,” he said.

With this newfound confidence, do you think Chris Buescher will be able to replicate his past-season performance or outdo himself?