NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski poses for a photo during NASCAR Production Days at Charlotte Convention Center on January 18, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images for NASCAR)
IMSA Rumors

IMSA Rumor: Keselowski Eying Possible IMSA Hypercar Team

Posted by AR1 staff

As the NASCAR world buzzes with championship drama at Phoenix, Brad Keselowski (pictured) is quietly plotting a bold expansion that could redefine his legacy beyond the Cup Series.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

The 2012 champion and RFK Racing co-owner has his sights set on the high-stakes world of endurance racing, potentially leading a U.S.-based IMSA effort with Ford’s incoming Hypercar program in 2027. Drawing inspiration from his idol, Rick Hendrick, Keselowski’s vision hints at a seamless bridge between stock car grit and global endurance glory.

Ford’s recent bombshell—committing to a factory-backed LMDh Hypercar for the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans starting in 2027—has lit a fire under Keselowski.

In a candid interview, the 41-year-old Michigan native didn’t mince words: “Ford is building a hypercar for 2027 that is going to compete at Le Mans and maybe the United States. And if it competes in the United States, I’d like to own that team.” It’s a statement that echoes the innovative spirit of Hendrick Motorsports, where cross-disciplinary projects like the 2023 Garage 56 entry at Le Mans fused NASCAR tech with international endurance racing.

That Garage 56 collaboration, which saw Hendrick team up with NASCAR, Chevrolet, IMSA, and Goodyear to reimagine a Next Gen Camaro for the Circuit de la Sarthe, proved a game-changer. It showcased American racing’s prowess on the world stage, fostering partnerships among the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), IMSA, and manufacturers.

Now, with Ford doubling down on performance and electrification through this “genuine program” (as Racing GM Mark Rushbrook put it, stressing it’s no mere marketing ploy), Keselowski sees an opening to follow suit. His RFK Racing outfit, already a Ford powerhouse in Cup with drivers like Chris Buescher and Brad himself, could extend its tentacles into IMSA’s top-tier Hypercar class, capitalizing on NASCAR’s growing road-course emphasis.

Keselowski’s road-racing chops make him a natural fit. A veteran of global circuits, he’s long eyed diversification beyond ovals. “As NASCAR continues to get heavier and heavier into road course racing, I think that pedigree [IMSA] offers a lot of advantages to the ecosystem of a successful Cup team,” he explained.

“I don’t see us on a path to a Xfinity or Truck team in the near future.” Instead, the focus is on sports cars, where RFK’s heritage shines. Co-owner Jack Roush built his empire on IMSA dominance in the 1980s, racking up 24 national titles, 12 manufacturer crowns, 119 wins, and a staggering 10 consecutive Daytona 24 Hours sedan class victories from 1984.

This isn’t just expansion—it’s evolution. Keselowski has openly lauded Hendrick as “probably the best people I’ve ever seen in my life” for his mastery in motivation and accountability.

At 76, Hendrick juggles Hendrick Motorsports, a sprawling automotive empire (100 dealerships across 14 states with 130 franchises), and recovery from leg surgery. Yet, he thrives in a hands-off-yet-omnipresent role: “I think my job is during the week, when the crew chiefs are back here, knowing what they need. I’m trying to run 100 dealerships, and I’ve also had an operation on my leg, but I do have the ability to listen to every guy and to monitor what’s going on.”

He added with a wink, “So hopefully you’ll see me more next year. But I kind of like my role, I can watch, listen, and critique. No, I’m just kidding. Really, those guys know what to do. Jeff and I are there from the beginning to the end of the race, except for handing the phone to the driver; he doesn’t do that part as well.”

For Keselowski, emulating that blueprint means leveraging RFK’s NASCAR footprint to conquer IMSA and potentially WEC. While no formal deal is inked, the stars align: Ford’s U.S. ambitions, Keselowski’s enthusiasm, and a proven track record in endurance. As the 2025 Cup title hangs in the balance—with Hendrick drivers like William Byron and Kyle Larson vying for a record 15th crown—Keselowski’s gaze is fixed on 2027.