RFK Racing is enjoying a strong start to the 2026 NASCAR season with Brad Keselowski, Ryan Preece and Chris Buescher in the top 13 in points. Unfortunately, one of them may have to run in an unknown race in 2027.
The Athletic's Jordan Bianchi reported this week that RFK Racing is facing an offseason where all three of its drivers become free agents and the team only has two charter for next season.
RFK is leasing a third charter from Rick Ware Racing, but he will no longer be available for 2027. Unfortunately for the team, there are unlikely to be any charters available.
There was some speculation that Hyak Motorsports might sell a charter, but it instead signed a multi-year contract extension with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Meanwhile, Legacy Motor Club is already adding a third charter for next season and none of Kaulig, Wood Brothers Racing or Front Row Motorsports are offering charters.
RFK co-owner Keselowski intends to remain a full-time driver for the next several seasons and appears unlikely to give up his chartered status. For Buescher, his excellent on-track results and history with RFK make receiving a new contract and a second chartered spot a possibility.
What Racing Uncharted would mean for Ryan Preece
As Bianchi mentioned, the good news for Ryan Preece is that he still has support from sponsor Kroger. The supermarket chain is reportedly interested in remaining in partnership with RFK, but having an unnamed third car could have some impact on negotiations.
Racing unknown would mean that Preece would need to qualify for every race. This would not be a problem for most of the season, as fewer than 40 cars would enter the race. However, this may be a bit more of an issue for some of the biggest races of the season when there are over 40 participants.
The more costly impact will affect the entire No. 60 team. Racing uncharted means getting paid less for results in each race, with several NASCAR executives telling Bianchi that it would mean the No. 60 team would lose more than $5 million in earnings the following season.
Unfortunately for Preece and his team, given the exorbitant cost of obtaining the charter ($80-plus million), it may also have been the most cost-effective option for RFK Racing.
