Brad Keselowski’s path from hotshot driver to NASCAR team owner is a masterclass in soaking up the sport’s best lessons. Kicking off in 2004, he carved out a rep for aggressive moves and sharp strategy, bagging the 2012 Cup Series title and 36 wins, including big ones like the Coca-Cola 600 and Southern 500. In 2022, he leaped, joining Roush Fenway Racing, now RFK Racing, as co-owner and driver, steering the team’s future while still chasing checkered flags.

Working under legends like Rick Hendrick, Roger Penske, and Jack Roush gave Keselowski a front-row seat to NASCAR’s masterminds. Now at RFK, he’s blending those lessons into a unique vision, navigating a board-run structure unlike any other team. Recently, he spilled the beans on what he learned from these titans and how it’s shaping RFK’s run.

Lessons from NASCAR’s heavyweights

On Stacking Pennies, Keselowski got real about the giants who shaped him: “Certainly a lot that I appreciate and that haven’t worked with Jack as well. They all bring different strengths to the table, and you know I try to bring a few of my own things, but candidly there’s enough to learn from those three to be successful in its own way. There are things I really loved about working with Roger Penske. He was super committed to having nice stuff, having long-term partnerships, you know, and there were a lot of things that I was very privileged to be a part of there.”

Penske’s obsession with top-tier gear and lasting sponsor ties was a game-changer, fueling Keselowski’s 2012 championship with Team Penske. That focus on quality and stability is something he’s carrying into RFK, ensuring cars are fast and partnerships stick, even in a sport where money’s tight.

“Rick Hendrick was probably the best people person I’ve ever seen in my life. Understood how to motivate people. How do you know push them to be their best while still holding them accountable, and then Jack Roush is to me the best person I’ve ever seen. Working within the lanes of accountability really good at immediate and effective accountability, and so all three of you’re lik,e okay. There’s something to be learned here,” he said.

Hendrick’s knack for firing up teams while keeping them in line built a dynasty with 14 titles, churning out stars like Gordon and Johnson. Roush’s no-nonsense accountability kept cars competitive through technical precision. Keselowski’s soaking up both Hendrick’s people skills for RFK’s culture, Roush’s rigor for results, molding a team that’s as motivated as it is disciplined.

“I would say, but you know, RFK is different from what I think. All other race teams. It’s the only one I know of that is run by a board, a different structure for sure. Most of the other race teams are not run that way. I got to present it in front of our group and then try to get buy-in, whatever percentage that I can hit on that, so it’s different for sure. It makes me have to work through a problem, work diligently, and address it. How would the solution actually work and provide clarity to you, knowing how certain I am? It’s going to work, which is it’s a challenge,” Keselowski added.

RFK’s board setup forces him to pitch ideas like a CEO, ensuring every move is vetted and solid. It’s a grind, but it sharpens his leadership, blending Penske’s prep, Hendrick’s motivation, and Roush’s accountability into a new playbook for success.

Keselowski’s RFK shines at Kansas

Keselowski’s lessons from NASCAR’s titans showed up big at Kansas Speedway’s Hollywood Casino 400, where RFK Racing flexed its muscle. Starting 31st, Keselowski clawed his way to eighth, gaining 19 spots thanks to smart adjustments that tamed early handling woes.

Chris Buescher matched the hustle, landing 15th after a strong eighth in Stage One and 11th in Stage Two. Ryan Preece, despite setbacks, gutted out 25th. The team’s tenacity, Keselowski leaning on Penske’s prep, Hendrick’s people-first vibe, and Roush’s accountability shone through in a race packed with lead changes and chaos.

The numbers tell the story: Keselowski’s 19-position climb and Buescher’s top-15 finish highlight RFK’s grit. Kansas was a battleground, with Chase Elliott stealing the win from Denny Hamlin and Bubba Wallace in a wild last lap. RFK’s adjustments kept them in the hunt, setting the stage for the Charlotte Roval on October 5, 2025.

Keselowski’s leadership, shaped by NASCAR’s best, is pushing RFK forward, proving those titan lessons are paying off where it counts, on the track and in the standings.