Brad Keselowski heading back to Dodge as a driver or a co-owner? This has been a hot topic of debate among NASCAR fans after RFK Racing announced a shocking split with the veteran driver. On September 29, 2026, Keselowski and RFK Racing decided to part ways, with the 2012 champion making his intentions clear about continuing his racing career. Since then, the rumor mill has been in overdrive, linking the veteran driver with Kaulig Racing and Dodge’s Cup Series return.
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Chris Rice, CEO of Kaulig Racing, shared his opinion on the saga, stating, “I have not had any conversations with Brad Keselowski about driving a Dodge, even if Dodge comes back. Obviously, it’s super late and you don’t hear me talking about it much so that should tell you what’s happening.” Matt Weaver shared the update on X.
Earlier in the season, Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic reported that Dodge is “increasingly likely” to return to the Cup Series in 2027. Reports even suggested that Stellantis was open to relying on existing OEM partners to have an engine ready to jumpstart its NASCAR return. Well, there’s no official word from Dodge, and Kaulig Racing has also been mum about this whole situation. With Rice’s denial, the Keselowski-Dodge pairing looks unlikely.
Despite this, it is hard to ignore Keselowski’s intention to keep competing. “I’m nowhere near ready to be done as a driver. I still have a lot I want to accomplish in this sport, and I’m looking forward to what comes next.” He is a veteran driver with 25 Cup wins and a championship to his name. And it’s hard to ignore the leadership qualities he brings to the table with his arrival. There could be a possibility that Kaulig Racing and Rice are playing a game of bluff.
In February, Stellantis’ North American Motorsports Competition Director Kevin Kidd affirmed, “We aim to get back in the Cup Series” with Dodge. Keselowski drove the No. 2 Penske Dodge while clinching the championship in 2012, and Kaulig Racing needs a face to represent the brand in NASCAR competition. As far as Cup racing is concerned, the chances are pretty slim for Keselowski.
Kaulig has retained AJ Allmendinger and Ty Dillon. Alex Bowman re-signed with HMS, and Connor Zilisch will take over the No. 48 Chevy in 2028. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. signed an extension with Hyak Motorsports, Jesse Love will drive the No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing car, and Josh Berry is heading to Legacy Motor Club. RCR has finalized its lineup, and Trackhouse Racing seems to be content with the current setup. The only hope for Keselowski looks to be his old No. 2 ride at Team Penske.
However, Austin Cindric hasn’t publicly disclosed his contract situation, but he has indicated that he will return to the No. 2 car next year. That leaves Keselowski in a tricky spot, at least with his prospects of returning to the Cup Series next year. But again, no one predicted that he would be leaving the RFK Racing camp, so do not rule out another Silly Season surprise.
Dale Jr. shared his take on this situation, and he believes Keselowski has already plotted his next move. “I don’t believe Brad allows this to happen unless he had a plan B. Brad doesn’t seem like the kind of guy that doesn’t have a plan B ready. If he had a tiny tiny share, he could have been like, ‘All right, you guys, you know, we’re going to do what you guys want. I’m gonna keep racing and being a part of this team.’ If he had a very small stake…I don’t think Brad just jumps off the, you know, off the ledge without a safety net.”
He has a point. Back in 2021, when he announced his exit from Team Penske, he knew he wanted an ownership role along with a full-time ride. And RFK Racing fit perfectly into his plans. With seven Cup Series wins for RFK Racing and multiple playoff runs, despite being a non-Tier 1 Ford team, it is an enormous accomplishment. And this became possible after Keselowski’s leadership within the organization.
Sure, he is not getting any younger at 42, but the amount of experience and respect he commands in the garage is perhaps more valuable. And that could be a deciding factor for an organization that is considering moving for Keselowski. Will it be Kaulig Racing in Trucks, or a Team Penske reunion? Only time will reveal this mystery, but expect this Silly Season saga to continue until the end of the 2026 season.