“We’re keeping our eyes open”: Brad Keselowski signals clear intent for 23XI and FRM charters amid recent U-turn by the Federal court

Brad Keselowski, co-owner of RFK Racing, has weighed in on the Federal court overturning the charter status of 23XI and Front Row Motorsports. While expressing hope for a 'peaceful resolution', the Michigan native also hinted at a potential charter acquisition to bolster his third RFK entry.

On Thursday, June 5, the U.S. Court of Appeals vacated the preliminary injunction that granted charter status for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. As a result, both teams are set to lose their guaranteed spots on the grid and would need to qualify for each race as open teams, therefore placing their sponsorships and driver lineups in jeopardy.

The teams have until June 19 to appeal the ruling, following which a final decision on their charter status will be made. If they lose their charters, it would create openings for Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, which currently holds a lease agreement with Rick Ware Racing's charter for Ryan Preece's No.60 team.

During Saturday's qualifying at Michigan International Speedway, Keselowski spoke to the media and addressed the whole debacle, saying (via Frontstretch),

"I just wish the whole thing would find a peaceful resolution and the sport could kind of move on.....I think there'd be a long list of suitors I guess would be the word but you know RFK has a lease agreement currently with, with Rick Wear Racing and for the 2026 season but certainly we're keeping our eyes open" [0:51 onwards]

After Stewart-Haas Racing closed shop in 2024, Ryan Preece was left without a race seat. Brad Keselowski took this opportunity and signed him to field a third car for RFK Racing in 2025. Meanwhile, Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI, shared that they're ready to run as an open entry to hold their commitment to racing full-time, but remained optimistic of regaining their charter status during the trial in December.

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Brad Keselowski opens up about his homecoming at Michigan

Brad Keselowski is set to make his 28th start at his hometown track, Michigan International Speedway (MIS). The 41-year-old is yet to score a race win at the two-mile oval but has recorded strong outings at the track, averaging an eighth-place finish over his last three races in the Next Gen Era.

Keselowski qualified down the order at 27th for Sunday's FireKeepers Casino 400. Nonetheless, he believes qualifying at MIS often has little bearing on the race outcome.

"I felt really good about my lap the way the car felt not so good about the speed it ran.....I feel like this race weekend is, is an interesting one because what it takes to go fast in qualifying is almost like the exact opposite of what it takes to go fast in a race so trying to be really smart about how we approach it," he said via Frontstretch [0:17 onwards].

Brad Keselowski currently ranks 32nd in the Driver's standings with a single top-5 and 5 DNFs so far. He is looking to bounce back on his home turf and continue his stellar record at MIS. Fans can watch the race on Prime Video on June 8 from 2 PM ET.