Chris Buescher picked up his third win of the season Saturday evening at Daytona Worldwide Speedway and each he and Keselowski will compete within the 16-driver playoffs, Buescher now because the No. 4 seed.
That’s a large turnaround from final season, when each groups did not make the playoff subject, though Buescher did safe a late-season win.
Since Keselowski joined the group as a driver and co-owner in 2022, Buescher has all 4 of the group’s victories. The previous Roush Fenway Racing had an extended historical past of success in NASCAR however had not gained within the Cup Sequence since 2017.
Keselowski’s arrival coincided with the debut of the Subsequent Gen automotive within the Cup collection competitors and a change to the competitors aspect of the racing group.
Improved outcomes have come steadily, however they’ve definitely picked up in frequency the longer the 2023 season has gone on.
Keselowski relishes the chance he and Buescher have this season but in addition stays targeted on the “larger image.”
Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing, BuildSubmarines.com Ford Mustang, Chris Buescher, RFK Racing, Fastenal Ford Mustang
Picture by: Matthew T. Thacker / NKP / Motorsport Images
“We’re constructing one thing that’s going to be particular for a very long time,” Keselowski mentioned. “That’s a giant objective of mine. I’m pleased with all people within the group, definitely Chris for his efforts.
“The larger image is to have a sustainable race group that may win championships for years to return, be a perennial championship contender.
“I believe you take a look at the wins that RFK has had this 12 months, they’re not fluke wins, they’re earned wins. However (this week), all this type of washes away and we’re targeted on the ten weeks to return.”
Victory Lane eludes Keselowski
Whereas Keselowski has but to attain a win this season, he has been in place to take action a number of instances.
The power to have each vehicles up entrance frequently and in rivalry for wins is one other massive step for the group. Saturday evening was the primary race since 2014 that RFK had drivers end first and second in a race.
“A number of weeks in the past, we had been sitting down, type of going over the objective and visions, what we worth. One of many issues we introduced up was 1-2 finishes,” Keselowski mentioned. “It’s been a very long time since this firm has had 1-2 finishes.
“In fact, I needed to be the one on the entrance of that. Proud nonetheless of Chris and his efforts and each groups, the place they’ve grown and are available collectively. Doing all the fitting issues to develop us and to simply take us to that subsequent stage.”
The beginning of the 10-race playoff schedule additionally bodes properly for RFK.
Each drivers completed within the top-10 on the spring race at Darlington and Buescher gained final season’s race at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway.
“Super to rise up entrance and to have the ability to management races, simply execute at a really excessive stage whereas additionally having the tempo and simply earn it,” Keselowski mentioned. “We’re not successful races that we don’t need to win.
“There’s plenty of vitality for us, plenty of nice racing to stay up for.”
Chris Buescher, RFK Racing, Castrol Edge Ford Mustang celebrates his victory
Picture by: Nigel Kinrade / NKP / Motorsport Images
