RFK Racing Extends Chris Buescher Contract, Secures No. 17 Driver for Future – Speedway Digest

CONCORD, N.C. — Chris Buescher is staying where his NASCAR career began.

Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing announced Tuesday that Buescher has signed a multiyear contract extension to remain the driver of the No. 17 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the NASCAR Cup Series, continuing a relationship that stretches back nearly two decades.

Buescher, now in his 11th full-time season at NASCAR’s top level, joined the organization as a teenager, working in the race shop and assisting with pit practice before transitioning into the team’s driver development program in 2009. He has since grown into one of the sport’s most consistent and respected competitors, and his decision to remain with RFK Racing reflects both loyalty and confidence in the team’s trajectory.

“RFK Racing has been home for most of my racing career, and that’s something I don’t take for granted,” Buescher said. “I’ve grown up with this organization, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together over the last several years. The direction we’re heading, the people we have in place, and the commitment throughout the company make me excited about the future.”

Buescher’s rise through the organization included championships in the ARCA Menards Series in 2012 and the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2015 while driving cars owned by Jack Roush and Fenway Sports Group. Those titles established him as a promising talent, but his development has continued steadily at the Cup level.

With six career Cup Series victories, Buescher has proven versatile across disciplines, winning on short tracks, superspeedways and road courses. His standout season came in 2023, when he captured three victories over a five-race span at Richmond Raceway, Michigan International Speedway and Daytona International Speedway — to earn a spot in the Round of 12 in the playoffs. He ultimately finished a career-best seventh in the championship standings and was voted NASCAR’s Most Improved Driver by fans.

He followed that breakthrough with another memorable moment in 2024, scoring a dramatic last-lap victory at Watkins Glen International for his first road-course win. In 2025, Buescher continued to deliver consistent results, posting a 14.3 average finish, which ranked sixth among all Cup drivers.

Through the first portion of the 2026 season, Buescher sits seventh in the standings, solidifying his status as a cornerstone of RFK Racing’s resurgence. The organization views this extension as a key step in maintaining its competitive momentum.

“Chris has been part of this organization for most of his professional career, and there is a tremendous amount of pride in seeing what he has become,” said team founder and co-owner Jack Roush. “He is an exceptional driver, but just as importantly, he is the kind of person who makes our organization stronger.”

RFK Racing co-owner and driver Brad Keselowski echoed those sentiments, emphasizing Buescher’s role in the team’s recent progress.

“Chris is everything you want in a race car driver and teammate,” Keselowski said. “His talent behind the wheel speaks for itself, but what really separates him is his professionalism, preparation and commitment to making everyone around him better. He’s been instrumental in the progress we’ve made as an organization.”

RFK Racing president Chip Bowers said the agreement underscores the team’s long-term commitment to competing for championships.

“Chris has been a driving force behind the progress we’ve made as an organization over the last several seasons,” Bowers said. “His consistency, leadership and commitment to excellence help set the standard for the organization. Securing him for the long term reinforces our belief in where this organization is headed.”

The extension also reflects RFK Racing’s broader strategy of stability and growth. With Buescher alongside Keselowski and teammate Ryan Preece, the team believes it has a strong foundation to compete regularly for race wins and contend for the Cup Series title.

For Buescher, the decision ultimately came down to familiarity, trust and shared ambition.

“I’m grateful to everyone at RFK Racing for their belief in me,” he said. “I’m looking forward to continuing to chase wins and championships together.”