Ryan Preece Takes the Wheel as Keselowski Exits RFK Racing’s No. 6

RFK Racing announced Wednesday that Ryan Preece will drive the No. 6 Ford Mustang in the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series, replacing Brad Keselowski.

Preece, 36, has driven the No. 60 car for the organization for the past two seasons.

He posted 24 top-10 finishes and one win during that span — a victory at the summer Daytona race on Aug. 29, 2026.

The move means Preece's entire No. 60 team, including crew chief Derrick Finley, will transition to the No. 6 car next season.

Keselowski, a co-owner of RFK Racing, is departing at the end of the 2026 season.

The decision to rebrand Preece into the No. 6 rather than keep him in the No. 60 has triggered intense debate among NASCAR fans.

Many are criticizing the organization for abandoning the No. 60 brand identity and the fan merchandise tied to it.

"Really was hoping they would of moved the charter to the 60 and let him build a legacy with it," one fan wrote on social media.

Another comment called the move "rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic."

That remark reflects broader unease over Keselowski's departure.

Keselowski joined RFK in 2022 as both driver and co-owner, helping shape the team's direction.

The revival included three wins in 2023, tied directly to changes he introduced.

With Keselowski leaving and RFK searching for a new head of competition, fans see a key figure exiting.

Preece, who made his Cup Series debut in 2015, ranks 14th in the standings heading into Sunday's season finale at Homestead-Miami.

He won the Clash at Bowman Gray earlier this year and scored his first Cup points win at Daytona, earning his first Chase appearance.

"To be trusted with the 6 means more to me than I can put into words," Preece said in a press release.

"When you think about what this number means to RFK Racing, you think about Jack Roush, Mark Martin and everything they built together."

"To know this team believes I'm the right person to carry that number into the future is incredibly humbling," he added.

Chip Bowers, president of RFK Racing, said: "Ryan Preece is a true racer making him the perfect fit for the number 6."

"The 6 car is symbolic in our organization and has contributed to some incredible memories in the Cup Series," Bowers said.

"Ryan is not just enthusiastic about the opportunity, but more importantly, he's embracing the expectations that come with taking the wheel of an iconic car."

"More great history is sure to be made with Ryan at the helm," he concluded.

FOX Sports journalist Bob Pockrass first reported the move on X, writing: "As expected, Ryan Preece will change numbers and drive the No. 6 for RFK next season."

"Organization obviously wanted one of its charter drivers in that car number that has a history with the organization," Pockrass added.

The No. 6 is one of NASCAR's most recognizable numbers.

It is tied to RFK founder Jack Roush and legendary driver Mark Martin, who drove it to 35 wins and four runner-up finishes in the Cup Series standings.

Preece spent two seasons giving the No. 60 an identity of its own.

He built a following through his New England roots and his climb through NASCAR's ranks.

For fans who backed him in the No. 60, the number became part of his personal story.

Merchandise represents loyalty, and changing numbers can feel like losing that connection.

"So stupid. I don't like it. He's done drove the 60 for 2 years. Now ur just swapping his number and identity," one fan wrote.

"Unfair to the fans who already have a lot of his 60 merchandise. Coulda easily just put the charter on the 60 instead of the 6," the fan added.

Not every reaction was critical.

Some fans said the move "makes sense" from a branding perspective.

The No. 6 carries decades of history and commercial recognition within the sport.

But the debate raises a larger question about how teams balance legacy with a driver's individual identity.

Preece finished 18th in the 2025 standings with three top-fives and 14 top-10s.