RFK Racing are still in need of a third driver for the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series driver, following the surprise announcement of the impending departure of team co-owner and full-time driver Brad Keselowski. But they have already found Keselowski's direct replacement to drive his No. 6 Ford next year, and they've found him within their own organization.
With RFK Racing set to have just two charters, since they are currently leasing one from Rick Ware Racing for the second consecutive season and that charter has been sold to Legacy Motor Club for 2027, it made sense to move full-time driver Ryan Preece from the No, 60 Ford to Keselowski's No. 6 Ford.
And that's exactly what they have done.
Ryan Preece to move to the No. 6 Ford for RFK Racing in 2027
The No. 60 Ford was added for Preece in 2025, and that is the car that is set to be run full-time without a charter next year, effectively making it the series' 37th full-time entry. It is still the team's plan to sign a third driver to drive that car, despite the ongoing uncertainty and the fact that Keselowski's departure came so late and was relatively unexpected.
Chris Buescher is set to return for an eighth season behind the wheel of the No. 17 Ford.
John Hunter Nemechek, who had been linked to the team as a possible third driver, is no longer in contention for that seat, however. After losing his Cup ride at Legacy Motor Club to Josh Berry, and with Riley Herbst set to land the team's new third entry, he has signed with Haas Factory Team to drive one of their three full-time entries for the 2027 O'Reilly Auto Parts Series season. Both of their current drivers, Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer have already signed deals elsewhere.
As for Keselowski, he has admitted that he has nothing lined up for 2027, but he has no plans to retire and remains interesting in team ownership. He had been with RFK Racing since leaving Team Penske following the 2021 season.
The 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season is scheduled to get underway with the 69th annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, February 21, with live coverage set to be provided by Fox. Preece won the most recent race at Daytona back in late August.
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