In July 2025, RFK Racing, co-owned by Brad Keselowski, experienced a significant leadership change as President Steve Newmark announced his departure to become the Executive Associate Athletic Director at the University of North Carolina. Newmark had been with the team since 2010 and was playing a pivotal role in its development and success. His exit left a leadership void at a critical juncture for the organization. This leadership void lasted for a while before an answer was finally delivered.

During the interim period, RFK Racing continued its operations with uncertainty. Keselowski and his team members, meanwhile, navigated the challenges of leadership transition. The absence of a permanent team president raised questions about the future direction and stability of the team. Keselowski, also a driver for the team, found himself at the helm during this uncertain phase, emphasizing the need for strategic leadership to maintain and build upon the team’s momentum. And while the silence was deafening thus far, RFK’s latest announcement finally brings some relief for the team.

A new leadership change in RFK’s NASCAR journey

On September 18, 2025, RFK Racing appointed Chip Bowers as its new Team President, effective September 22. Bowers brings nearly three decades of experience in business operations, sales, and marketing across the NBA, WNBA, and MLB. His previous roles include senior positions with the Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic, San Diego Padres, and Seattle Storm, among others. Bowers succeeds Steve Newmark, who stepped down in August to pursue his new role at UNC.

Brad Keselowski expressed his enthusiasm about Bowers’ appointment, stating, “Chip brings a fresh perspective that we’re really excited about. He has proven he can grow organizations and think creatively in some of the most competitive sports markets, and that experience will help us find new ways to strengthen our team.” He further emphasized Bowers’ ability to build meaningful partnerships and enhance fan experiences. These, he said, would be crucial for RFK Racing’s long-term growth.

Bowers himself commented on the opportunity, saying, “I’m honored and thrilled to be joining one of NASCAR’s premier racing teams… I’m incredibly appreciative of Jack Roush, John Henry, future Hall of Fame driver & owner Brad Keselowski, and our esteemed board of directors for asking me to be a trusted partner in leading the organization to new heights.” His appointment signals a new chapter for RFK Racing. Now, the focus is on scaling the business for sustained growth. Under his leadership, they can strengthen corporate partnerships and drive innovation across the organization.

With Bowers’ extensive background in sports business and Keselowski’s leadership on and off the track, RFK Racing is poised for a transformative phase. The team’s focus on enhancing fan experiences and building strategic partnerships aligns with the evolving landscape of NASCAR. Here, off-track success is as critical as on-track performance.

As the 2025 season progresses, RFK may not have a driver in the championship hunt, but Keselowski has made his opinion on the format clear recently.

Keselowski on the playoffs causing imbalance

Brad Keselowski, a prominent figure in NASCAR, has consistently voiced his opinions on the sport’s structure. In a recent interview with Jeff Gluck, Keselowski delved into the nuances of NASCAR’s playoff system. He offered insights that challenge the current format as his perspective sheds light on potential areas for improvement within the sport.

Keselowski’s primary concern revolved around the existing playoff structure. He argued that the current system emphasized a select few races over the majority, creating an imbalance. “The nuance of having 10 races that are more important than 20-some others is very unhealthy for the sport,” he stated. According to Keselowski, this disparity diminishes the value of numerous races throughout the season.

The emphasis on a limited number of races has broader implications. Keselowski points out that tracks. Especially those hosting non-playoff events, struggle to generate consistent revenue. “If you come to them on a Tuesday, three weeks before or after the race, there’s like three people that work there,” he observed. This underlines the challenges tracks face in maintaining operations and enhancing fan experiences during off-peak times.

Keselowski advocates for a more balanced approach that values each race equally. He believes that by doing so, NASCAR can ensure sustained fan engagement and provide tracks with the financial stability needed to invest in improvements. Such a shift could lead to a more cohesive and thriving NASCAR ecosystem.