NASCAR: The biggest ‘secret’ for 2022 is no longer a secret

It’s finally official: Brad Keselowski is set to move to Roush Fenway Racing as a driver and a team co-owner ahead of the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season.

A few months ago, a rumor emerged that Team Penske NASCAR Cup Series driver Brad Keselowski had been offered a deal to not only drive for Roush Fenway Racing but serve as a team co-owner for the 2022 season.

Multiple sources indicated at the time that it was likely that Keselowski would accept this deal after spending the first 12 seasons of his career as a full-time driver with Roger Penske’s team, and those same sources said that the move was effectively a “done deal” a little while later.

It was said that the reason why no confirmation had come from Keselowski or the team was out of respect for Team Penske and their driver lineup decision for the 2022 season.

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That decision was made last week, when it was confirmed that reigning Xfinity Series champion Austin Cindric is set to pilot the #2 Ford next year.

After this was announced, Roush Fenway Racing confirmed that they had a “major announcement” coming today at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and it was pretty much implied that this would finally be the confirmation of Keselowski joining the team for next year.

And that’s exactly what it was.

Keselowski is set to join Roush Fenway Racing as the replacement for Ryan Newman behind the wheel of the #6 Ford and with a minority ownership stake in the organization. Additional details regarding the team’s partners and other assets are set to be announced at a later date.

There had been talks of the team name becoming Roush-Fenway-Keselowski Racing started in 2022, but this has not been confirmed.

Here is what Keselowski had to say about this opportunity in a team release.

"“I am thrilled to be able to share the news about this next venture with my fans, peers, and the industry. This presents an opportunity to continue my on-track success with a strong team and a long-term commitment, but also dive into my passion of team ownership where I know I can be an asset to the future of the team. I am optimistic about what Jack (Roush), John (Henry) and I can accomplish together, especially with a new era for our sport on the horizon (with the Next Gen car). Our goal is to win races and compete for championships at NASCAR’s top level, and we plan to do just that.”"

Here is what team owner Jack Roush had to say about the matter.

"“I’m truly excited about this partnership with Brad. I think it will bring a lot to the organization, from not only Brad’s ability behind the wheel, but a rejuvenation and fresh perspective across our teams. I’ve had the opportunity to watch Brad for a number of years, as he has fought and clawed his way up the ladder, molding himself into a champion and one of the top drivers in our sport. I’ve always admired his resolve and determination. I’m very pleased that he has chosen to be a part of our organization and I’m proud to partner with him moving into the future.”"

Keselowski is a 35-time Cup Series race winner who won the 2012 championship with Team Penske, the only team for which he has ever competed since becoming a full-time driver in 2010. Through 22 of 36 races this season, he has one win at Talladega Superspeedway and sits in ninth place in the point standings.