The Eye-Opening Realities of Race Team Ownership with Brad Keselowski

The Dale Jr. Download

Kelley Earnhardt Miller sets out to learn more about the NASCAR Cup team business model with a person she has a lot of history with, RFK co-owner and former JR Motorsports racer Brad Keselowski. After years of success behind the wheel and a foray into team ownership through his NASCAR Truck outfit Brad Keselowski Racing, Brad decided to step away from his spot at Team Penske to take a part ownership role at Roush Fenway Racing. Brad explains that his passion for having control in all aspects of a race team’s operations inspired him to take on the role at RFK, and he loves being able to contribute to other peoples’ success. After dropping his children off at school, Brad rolls into RFK’s shop daily and does a shop floor walk before taking on the day's meetings. He also enjoys having lunch with different team members as he believes food brings people together and the conversations are informative.

Brad and Kelley discuss the difficulties of being an owner and driver and when you have to wear one hat or the other. Brad explains that he feels he can depend on his managers to make day-to-day decisions, allowing him to focus on the big-picture direction of the team and take time to concentrate on being behind the wheel. Brad also reveals good qualities he’s picked up from other team leaders in the past that inform the way he performs at RFK, and how it’s important to know the costs of everything the team needs to operate. The conversation also covers threats to the Cup ownership landscape, the art of appreciating employees, and Brad’s goals for RFK in the next five years.