Brad Keselowski is Looking for a “Miracle” to Make 2026 Cup Chase

RFK Racing had one of the worst seasons of the next-Gen era chapter in 2026, as they are yet to win a race this season and only one of their three drivers, Chris Buescher, have made it into the last-16 with one more race left, the regular season finale at Daytona. It’s a really challenging position to be in for RFK’s owner driver Brad Keselowksi.

He is currently P18 in the table, a massive 66 points behind Shane van Gisbergen who is on the cutline. The veteran needs to sweep all the stages and win on Saturday night to seal a spot in the chase. For that to happen he clearly needs a miracle with his car’s pace and his rivals to have a really bad day.

My car needs like a miracle.

Brad Keselowski said at Daytona.

Ryan Preece, the veteran teammate of Brad Keselowski is also a tough spot. He is just one spot ahead of the 2012 Cup champion in P17, with a 31 points deficit to SVG. The Ford racer has the most realistic shot at making into the next round, but it will be tough owing to unknows about the new rules package for the weekend.

I just think about trying to win stages and win the race. … There’s a lot of unknowns right now and trying to be as prepared as possible.

Ryan Preece asserted via AP.

Matching the points tally of Bubba Wallace and Austin Cindric might not be possible for Preece, considering the massive difference and SVG’s will most probably be the only one in contention. Keselowski has confirmed that of situation demands him to push Preece, he would as he is giving being the team owner the priority.

Shane van Gisbergen also discussed the chase uncertainty like Brad Keselowski

Unlike in the playoff’s era where only win matters, Shane van Gisbergen has found himself in the cusp of getting eliminated despite winning multiple road course races. He is hoping that the +31 advantage he has on Preece at P17 would help him get into the next round.

A lot going on. Not really sure how it’s going to play out. I think 30 points is a lot — until it’s not, until he has two good stages and then we’re under a lot of pressure. … I think we plan to be pretty conservative and see how his race is going and react to that.

Shane van Gisbergen said.

If the Kiwi can keep himself in the contention for solid stage points and finish inside the top-10 at the end, Preece might not earn enough points even with a win to secure the P16 spot. There is massive pressure on both the drivers and the Trackhouse Racing driver is enjoying this tension more than ever at the moment.

It’s a pretty cool feeling to have the pressure on us.

Shane van Gisbergen added.

The duo is coming to the weekend with just one goal, outscore his closest rival doing whatever they could. It would be interesting to see how everything is going to playout for the racers on Saturday, where fans will see an aggressive battle.

Also Read: Kevin Harvick Bets on Austin Cindric to Win 2026 Regular Season Finale at Daytona