July 20, 2021 | By Lee Spencer

Keselowski continues NASCAR course behind the wheel of the No. 6 Roush Fenway Ford

CHARLOTTE—Brad Keselowski officially revealed the next chapter of his motorsports career as the driver of the No. 6 Roush Fenway Ford on Tuesday.

Beginning in 2022, the multi-series champion will bring his youthful energy and leadership skills to Roush Fenway as not only a driver but in a minority ownership role.

After a dozen years, two championships, and 35 Cup wins under the Penske banner, Keselowski, 37, will claim what the Captain couldn’t offer—a stake in the team.

“I am thrilled to be able to share the news about this next venture with my fans, peers, and the industry,” said Keselowski. “This presents an opportunity to continue my on-track success with a strong team and a long-term commitment, but also dive into my passion of team ownership where I know I can be an asset to the future of the team.

"I am optimistic about what Jack, John and I can accomplish together, especially with a new era for our sport on the horizon (with the Next Gen car). Our goal is to win races and compete for championships at NASCAR’s top level, and we plan to do just that.”

Roush Fenway Racing has enjoyed a storied history over the last 34 seasons since Jack Roush debuted the flagship No. 6 Ford in 1988. Roush quickly expanded his operation, fielding as many as five Cup teams as well as championship efforts in both the Xfinity Series and Camping World Truck Series.

While Martin’s dream of winning a title was never realized, Matt Kenseth and Kurt Busch delivered back-to-back championships as NASCAR transitioned from the old points system in 2003 to what would become the Chase—now Playoffs—in 2004. Roush’s 137 Cup wins rank fourth all-time behind Hendrick Motorsports, Petty Enterprises and Joe Gibbs Racing.

But as the driver roster has dwindled to two, so have the wins for Roush Fenway. The company’s last victory came with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. at Daytona in July 2017.

“I’m truly excited about this partnership with Brad,” said Roush. “I think it will bring a lot to the organization, from not only Brad’s ability behind the wheel, but a rejuvenation and fresh perspective across our teams. I’ve had the opportunity to watch Brad for a number of years, as he has fought and clawed his way up the ladder, molding himself into a champion and one of the top drivers in our sport. I’ve always admired his resolve and determination. I’m very pleased that he has chosen to be a part of our organization and I’m proud to partner with him moving into the future.”

Keselowski debuted in the NASCAR ranks at 20 with a combination of truck and ARCA starts. Midway through the 2007 season, he replaced Shane Huffman at JR Motorsports and finally found a stage to showcase his talent. The following season, Keselowski scored two wins and finished third in the NXS standings and made his Cup debut with Hendrick Motorsports. Keselowski not only doubled his win total in 2009, he won his first Cup race in just his fifth start.

His quick ascent caught the attention Roger Penske, who recruited him for a double-duty run in Cup and Xfinity for the 2010 season. He delivered Team Penske’s first title—in the Xfinity Series—and backed that up with the Cup title two years later.

Starting in 2008, Keselowski campaigned in the truck series—at times as a driver/owner—and dabbled on the ARCA Menards tour as well. The third-generation racer and his fellow drivers scored 11 wins in 305 races. Rising operation costs and a lack of return on his investment forced Keselowski to turn his attention to manufacturing.

Throughout the course of his nearly two-decade career, the 2012 Cup champion has amassed 35 wins on NASCAR’s top tour, 39 Xfinity victories and one in trucks.

Keselowski is the first partner added to the organization since Fenway Sports Group owner John Henry joined forces with  Roush in 2007.

“We are thrilled to have Brad on board. In the short amount of time that we’ve been around him, you can see some of the same traits in Brad that are the common blend with both Jack Roush and John Henry,” said Fenway Sports Group executive vice president, corporate strategy and general counsel Ed Weiss. “Brad has a relentless desire to compete and win and that fits in perfectly with our core objectives across all of the properties at Fenway Sports Group.”

Fenway Sports Group also owns Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox and English Premier League’s Liverpool F.C.

Roush added he has no plans to retire at this time, "I plan to continue going to the race track and working with our drivers and crew chiefs as much as I ever have.