It turns out RFK Racing didn’t just show up for the NASCAR Cup Series at Iowa Speedway. They dominated. Not one, but two top-five finishes for a team that’s quickly becoming the story of the season. Sure, this wasn’t a victory parade, but the way RFK has been consistently surfacing as a major threat has everyone, including Kyle Petty, talking. If you’re not taking note of what Brad Keselowski and crew are building over there, you’re missing the bigger picture.
Brad Keselowski’s Masterclass of Strategy
When Brad Keselowski gets in the driver’s seat, you can count on one thing–he’s going to push the limits. Leading 68 laps, snagging two stage wins, and finishing third wasn’t just a fluke. It was a clinic in strategy. Let’s not even gloss over that heart-stopping decision in Stage Three where Keselowski essentially said, “Yeah, forget backing off—we’re playing to win.”
Sure, cautions later threw a wrench in the fuel advantage, but Keselowski kept calm like the seasoned pro he is. By the time the checkered flag dropped, the No.6 car had cemented its place on the podium. Honestly? That third-place finish felt more impactful than some wins we’ve seen this season.
Ryan Preece Does Damage Control Like a Pro
If there’s anyone who deserves props for sheer grit, it’s Ryan Preece. The guy dealt with every curveball the Iowa Speedway could throw at him, from an early speeding penalty to getting shuffled all over the field early on. After starting 33rd, many drivers would’ve mentally packed it in. But not Preece.
The Mohawk Northeast Ford stayed in the fight, clawing past competitors on restarts and using savvy fuel management to make his way back into contention. His reward? A valuable top-five finish. That’s no small feat for a team where the margin for error is razor-thin.
Chris Buescher’s Rocky Ride
Now, not everyone in the RFK Racing camp had a day to frame for the highlight reel. Chris Buescher fought a losing battle against Iowa’s progressive banking and some mid-pack chaos. Starting 27th and eventually finishing 22nd wasn’t what Buescher or his team hoped for, but at least they put up a fight. Strategically, it began to look better in Stage Two, but track position woes and some frustrating penalties kept the No. 17 car stuck in neutral for most of the race. Not a great day, but no long-term harm done.
Why RFK Racing Is More Than “Back”
For anyone still chalking RFK Racing’s recent performances up to luck, wake up. This isn’t a fluke or a brief stint in “we had a good day” territory. Keselowski’s leadership, paired with what seems to be a renewed focus on long-term success, is making RFK not just “competitive” but downright dangerous.
Even Kyle Petty acknowledges the resurgence, noting during a post-race analysis that the team’s structure is firing on all cylinders. And that’s what great teams do. They figure things out, even in the quieter stretches of a season, and then suddenly, they’re unavoidable.
Off to a Good Start for Watkins Glen
RFK Racing now heads to Watkins Glen International, where both Keselowski and Preece will continue trying to build on the momentum. If their recent outings are anything to go by, expect them not just to show up but to factor into the strategy-heavy battle that The Glen tends to be. Also, maybe keep an eye on Chris Buescher. A rebound performance at Watkins Glen could easily flip his weekend narrative.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a die-hard Keselowski fan or just someone who loves seeing underdog success stories unfold, RFK Racing is impossible to ignore right now. If they keep this up, don’t be surprised if “resurgence” feels like an understatement by the playoffs. RFK Racing is here, and they’re making sure everyone is on notice.
