Brad Keselowski, a previous Cup champion, joining the organization as a driver and part-owner before the 2022 NASCAR Cup season has brought about significant changes in various aspects.
The primary objective of the transition, naturally, was to enhance the organization’s achievements. There were notable instances in 2022, such as Keselowski and Buescher’s victories in the Daytona 500 preliminary races and Buescher’s triumph in the Bristol Night Race last autumn.
Both drivers did not make it to the playoffs in the previous season, but they are currently actively competing this year. This season, the race will take place at Pocono Raceway, where Buescher achieved his initial Cup triumph in 2016.
The 30-year-old native of Prosper, Tex., has a unique perspective on the changes over time through two different stints as a driver for RFK Racing.
“I have been at RFK for a total of 15 years, although not continuously. During this time, I have witnessed both the highest and lowest points of this place. Observing the positive changes and the enthusiasm of those who have been here longer than me, as well as the overall progress and direction we are heading in, gives everyone a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. It is a significant milestone for the hundreds of individuals present.”
“I highly value being present in this setting and collaborating with Brad to gradually regain momentum and steer it towards the correct path.”
Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing, BuildSubmarines.com Ford Mustang, Chris Buescher, RFK Racing, Fastenal Ford Mustang
Photo by: Matthew T. Thacker / NKP / Motorsport Images
Before Keselowski joined, Jack Roush, the team owner, had a successful track record in NASCAR. He had won numerous championships in all three national series – Cup, Xfinity, and Trucks – and had achieved a total of 325 victories.
The organization has faced difficulties in recent seasons, as its most recent championship was achieved in 2015 (Buescher in Xfinity), and its last Cup victory (before the previous season) occurred in 2017 (Ricky Stenhouse Jr.).
The organization managed to stay competitive at specific racetracks, particularly superspeedways. However, maintaining consistent performance on a weekly basis was challenging.
Visible improvement
Last year, RFK made significant progress in that direction and has experienced an even more notable improvement this season. In the first 20 out of 36 races, Buescher has achieved the highest average starting position (15.3) and finishing position (14.0) of his entire Cup career.
Buescher admitted that he used to find the talk about momentum in their sport amusing, but now he realizes it’s a genuine phenomenon. He has witnessed it happening more often than not, which has made him mock his previous skepticism.
“When we can perform well at Gateway, Atlanta, and Sonoma, it strengthens our overall performance. This consistency boosts our confidence week after week, as we know we have a strong foundation and can compete effectively at all these locations.”
“We no longer need to focus on a specific race in the future. Instead, we approach each week as a chance to either win races or build upon the significant progress we have already achieved.”
Race winner Chris Buescher, RFK Racing, Ford Mustang
Photo by: Matthew T. Thacker / NKP / Motorsport Images
RFK Racing still has work to do, though.
Neither driver has achieved a victory so far this season, which would secure their spot in the playoffs and prevent excessive focus on the fluctuating points standings.
Buescher stated that recognizing the potential for consistent victories has had a significant impact.
“This season, we have set ambitious objectives, aiming to secure victories, qualify for the playoffs, and successfully navigate through them. However, we have not achieved these goals yet, and we are unable to determine our fate in the playoffs. We have yet to reach the ultimate milestone of crossing the finish line,” he stated.
“We have come close on occasions, but there are a few aspects that require improvement. Part of it is the execution, and I need to make better choices while driving. Additionally, there were instances where we needed faster race cars.”
“We are all putting in a lot of effort as a large team to solve this puzzle, but it is clear that there is a strong sense of enthusiasm in the workplace and significant advancements have been made in the past year and a half.”
Leave a Reply