RFK Racing has announced plans to expand by adding a third full-time team for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, with driver Ryan Preece and major sponsor Kroger joining the organization. Preece, who will drive the No. 60 Ford, is entering his sixth full season in the Cup Series. The 34-year-old driver has recorded a best finish of third in his 187 Cup starts. Preece is stepping into a promising opportunity at RFK Racing, where consistent winning is now a realistic goal, unlike in his previous teams. He will join RFK’s existing drivers, Chris Buescher and Brad Keselowski, who is also a part-owner of the team alongside Jack Roush and the Fenway Sports Group.
Ryan Preece Joins RFK Racing for 2025 Season
“We identified Ryan Preece from day one when discussing this third entry. His talent, starting from grassroots racing all the way to the Cup Series, is something that excites us as we look to the future," said RFK president Steve Newmark.
Preece’s addition to the team is a significant step for RFK Racing, and he is expected to bring valuable experience and competitive performance to the No. 60 Ford. The team is confident that the 34-year-old driver’s abilities will help RFK maintain their upward trajectory in the Cup Series.
Kroger Becomes RFK Racing's Primary Sponsor
Kroger, one of the largest supermarket chains in the U.S., will be the primary sponsor for each of RFK’s three cars at various points during the 2025 season. Kroger had previously sponsored JTG Daugherty Racing from 2010 to 2024, supporting both Buescher and Preece during that time.
The partnership with Kroger is a major boost for RFK Racing, as the supermarket chain’s financial backing and brand activation will play a key role in the team’s expansion. The deal provides much-needed support for RFK’s ambitious plans for the 2025 season.
Charter Lease Ensures Preece’s Participation in All 36 Races
RFK Racing will lease a charter from Rick Ware Racing for the 2025 season, ensuring Preece’s spot in all 36 points-paying races. This move solidifies the third team’s place in the Cup Series and gives Preece the opportunity to compete in every race during the season.
RFK Racing’s Growth and Performance Over Recent Seasons
The decision to add a third team comes after RFK Racing downsized from three full-time teams in 2016. Team leadership had expressed a desire to expand, but only under the right circumstances and with consistent performance. With both Keselowski and Buescher showing strong results in 2024, including race wins and playoff contention, the timing for expansion made sense. Keselowski and Buescher combined for several strong finishes, with Keselowski qualifying for the playoffs and Buescher narrowly missing the cutoff despite having the seventh-best average finish.
A multi-year deal with Kroger provided the financial backing necessary to make the expansion possible. Kroger, known for its significant financial contributions and brand activation, was a highly sought-after sponsor. RFK benefited from an existing relationship between Kroger and both Buescher and Preece, as well as the team’s six wins in the past three years.
Tad and Jodi Geschickter’s Role in the Deal
The deal was also facilitated by Tad and Jodi Geschickter, owners at JTG Daugherty Racing, who are expected to divest their stake in the team they founded. Newmark credited the Geschickters for their pivotal role in securing the Kroger partnership and enabling RFK to expand.
