Brad Keselowski, a driver for RFK Racing in NASCAR, recently expressed his sorrow over the passing of former NASCAR driver Michael Annett. Despite not being teammates, Keselowski and Annett had raced against each other for many years in the Xfinity Series and Cup Series. Both drivers entered the sport around the same time, with Keselowski driving for Team Penske and later RFK Racing, while Annett raced for JR Motorsports, Germain Racing, and Richard Petty Motorsports.
Upon hearing the news of Annett’s death at the age of 39, Keselowski took to social media to share a heartfelt message. He recalled their early days in the sport when Annett showed great promise as an up-and-coming driver. Keselowski expressed sadness at Annett’s passing but also relief that he was no longer suffering.
Team RSMG confirmed Annett’s death and described him as a family member, offering condolences to his loved ones. Annett had a successful career in NASCAR, with wins in ARCA at Talladega and Daytona in the late 2000s. He also competed in multiple NASCAR series, including the Cup Series and Xfinity Series, earning his biggest national series win at Daytona in 2019 with JR Motorsports.
In addition to reflecting on Annett’s legacy, Keselowski also discussed the possibility of expanding RFK Racing beyond NASCAR. He expressed interest in entering the IMSA series if Ford’s upcoming 2027 Le Mans Hypercar becomes available for racing in the United States. Keselowski sees this as an opportunity to own a team that would compete in both Le Mans and potentially in the United States, connecting RFK Racing back to its roots.
Returning to IMSA would be a significant move for RFK Racing, as it would mark a return to Jack Roush’s motorsports origins in the championship-winning IMSA programs of the 1980s before transitioning to NASCAR. Joining the IMSA WeatherTech Championship in the GTP class would represent a major expansion for the team and a long-term strategic move for Keselowski.
In conclusion, Brad Keselowski’s tribute to Michael Annett and his vision for RFK Racing’s potential entry into IMSA showcase the deep connections and ambitious plans within the racing community. As the team considers its next steps, the legacy of drivers like Annett and the opportunity for new ventures in IMSA highlight the ever-evolving nature of motorsports.
