On Sunday, February 22, RFK Racing will take to the track at EchoPark Speedway in Hampton, Georgia, for the second race of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. The 260-lap event, beginning at 3:00 p.m. ET and broadcast live on FOX, offers RFK Racing a prime opportunity to assert itself early in the season, building on strong performances to date and leveraging its rich history at this venue.
RFK’s Impressive Track Record at EchoPark Speedway
EchoPark Speedway has been a significant venue for RFK Racing, marked by 288 NASCAR starts across its three major series. The organization boasts 13 wins, including six in the NASCAR Cup Series, along with 61 top-five finishes and 117 top-10s. Across these races, RFK drivers have led more than 3,300 laps and traveled over 111,000 miles around the track, showcasing consistent competitiveness.
The team first competed at EchoPark Speedway on March 20, 1988, and earned its initial victory three years later in the fall of 1991 with the No. 6 Ford. RFK’s best performance came in 2005 when it placed four cars in the top seven in the fall race, with three finishing in the top five, including a victory by Carl Edwards.
Jack Roush, founder of the organization, has personally claimed 13 total wins at EchoPark Speedway, six of which were in the NASCAR Cup Series, underlining the depth of experience and success RFK brings to this race weekend.
Drivers to Watch: Keselowski, Buescher, and Preece
Brad Keselowski, driving the No. 6 car with crew chief Jeremy Bullins and backed by partner BuildSubmarines.com, enters the EchoPark Speedway race carrying momentum after a strong fifth-place finish in the Daytona 500. This will mark Keselowski’s 23rd Cup start at this track, where he has secured two wins (2017, 2019) and compiled 12 top-10 finishes. Recovering from a serious leg injury last season, he has demonstrated resilience and skill, with an average finish of 15.6 during his tenure at EchoPark.
Chris Buescher, piloting the No. 17 car under crew chief Scott Graves and sponsored by Body Guard, brings confidence from his seventh-place finish in the Daytona 500. Buescher will make his 16th Cup start at EchoPark Speedway, where he has five top-10 results and a best finish of seventh achieved twice in recent years (2021, 2022). His qualifying performance has been strong, with a three-race streak of top-10 starts in spring events at this track.
Ryan Preece, driving the No. 60 car with crew chief Derrick Finley and partners Kroger and Red Baron, shows promising form after multiple recent accomplishments, including winning the Cook Out Clash and a modified race at New Smyrna Speedway. This race will be his 11th Cup start at EchoPark, with a best finish of 15th last fall. Preece holds an average starting position of 20.5, highlighted by a notable fifth-place start in the previous season.
RFK’s Recent EchoPark Performance and Season Outlook
The last race at EchoPark Speedway saw all three RFK teams lead laps, underscoring their competitiveness. Keselowski led 46 laps while finishing second, Buescher led 15 laps finishing ninth, and Preece led three laps, crossing the line in 15th place. These results reflect RFK Racing’s strategic strength and depth across its driver lineup.
Keselowski’s history at EchoPark is distinguished by consistent top-10 finishes and solid qualifying efforts, including eight top-10 starts and a career-best second-place qualifying position in 2014. His experience extends also to the Xfinity and Truck series at the same track, enhancing his adaptability. Buescher has also maintained strong qualifying results, and Preece’s recent victories demonstrate readiness for a breakthrough.
The Strategic Importance of EchoPark Speedway for RFK
EchoPark Speedway is integral to RFK Racing’s goals early in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series campaign. Success at this track could cement momentum for the upcoming races and highlight the team’s recovery and growth following challenges from previous seasons. The organization’s historical achievements at this venue provide a foundation of confidence, while the current driver roster shows promise for expanded success.
With a demanding 260-lap format split into three stages, RFK Racing’s preparation and execution will be crucial. The team’s ability to lead laps and secure top finishes in past EchoPark events suggests it is well-positioned for a strong showing.
Looking Ahead: What This Race Means for RFK Racing
The race at EchoPark Speedway carries significant implications for RFK’s progression through the early part of the season. A strong result would boost the team’s standings, enhance driver morale, and amplify sponsor engagement. Brad Keselowski’s comeback story adds emotional weight to the event, while the simultaneous contributions from Buescher and Preece provide a balanced competitive edge.
As RFK Racing aims to build on its established legacy, the performance at EchoPark will likely influence strategy and momentum heading into subsequent speedway races. Fans and team members alike await the outcome with anticipation, recognizing the pivotal role this race plays in the broader NASCAR season.
