Ryan Preece expected to drive open car for RFK Racing in 2027

The landscape of RFK Racing is shifting as the team looks toward the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season. Following a contract extension for Chris Buescher, the organization faces a surplus of talent for its available chartered entries. Reports indicate that Ryan Preece will likely continue his tenure with the team by operating an open entry.

Running an open car presents specific obstacles in the current NASCAR framework, but the partnership between Preece and RFK remains a priority for both sides. The decision is heavily influenced by the organization's solid sponsorship alignment with Kroger and its various vendors. This arrangement keeps Preece in the fold despite the lack of a primary charter.

Brad Keselowski continues his role behind the wheel of the No. 6 car. Keselowski intends to maintain his driving duties for several more years, leaving no immediate opening in the team's chartered lineup. This creates a bottleneck that forces the team to look at alternative methods to keep Preece active within the program.

While an open entry is not the standard path for many drivers, it allows RFK Racing to retain a driver they value while working within the constraints of their current roster. This plan highlights the importance of sponsor-backed initiatives in maintaining specific driver-team relationships when charter availability is limited. Fans of the team will watch how this transition unfolds as the organization balances its long-term goals with its existing driver commitments.