Kevin Harvick recently proposed a notable scenario that could reshape the NASCAR Cup Series, suggesting that Brad Keselowski might retire from full-time racing and Corey Heim could take over driving the No. 6 Ford for RFK Racing as early as 2026. This idea emerged during Harvick’s latest episode of Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour, where he discussed the evolving landscape of the sport and prospective driver moves.
Corey Heim, a standout star in the Truck Series and regarded as one of NASCAR’s most promising young talents, currently faces limited opportunities to advance within Toyota’s stable, as their Cup Series teams have no evident openings. This situation opens the door for rival manufacturers, like Ford or Chevrolet, to potentially lure Heim away.
Challenges for Keselowski and the No. 6 Ford Team
Harvick expressed concerns about Keselowski’s current position in the No. 6 car, highlighting the difficulties the team faces adjusting to new cars and racing styles. He noted:
“I don’t know if they’re ever going to be back in a position where they’re going to win multiple races with that car. It’s going to be very difficult to do, The transition with the new car, the new driving style, the new racing style and everything that comes with that. I don’t know.”
—Kevin Harvick
Given these challenges, Harvick believes that bringing Corey Heim into RFK Racing could be an appealing option to reinvigorate the No. 6 Ford, though he acknowledged the difficulty of extracting Heim from Toyota’s programs:
“I think, if you could go get Corey Heim and put him in there? It’s a good conversation. Not a bad conversation. I think it’d be hard to get him out of the Toyota camp, but there’s nowhere for him to go.”
—Kevin Harvick
Implications of Heim’s Potential Move and Keselowski’s Future
Should Heim leave Toyota, it would represent a significant setback for that manufacturer but a considerable gain for RFK Racing and Ford overall. Still, Keselowski’s abrupt retirement remains unexpected, especially since he showed renewed speed recently during the 2025 season.
Keselowski nearly secured a win in Atlanta after struggling at the season’s start and was among the more consistent drivers in 2024, recording a victory at Darlington Raceway. Despite this, his chances of reaching the playoffs on points are slim, meaning he must win a race to advance into the Top 16. While Keselowski retains competitiveness on NASCAR’s traditional tracks, road courses pose a greater challenge.
Speculation Surrounding the No. 6 Driver Seat Ahead
The future of both Keselowski and Heim remains uncertain. While Kevin Harvick supports the idea of Heim replacing Keselowski in the No. 6 car, the proposal currently appears speculative. Nevertheless, any such driver movement would generate notable interest and could impact team dynamics and manufacturer rivalries moving forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Brad Keselowski Polish?
A. The Keselowski family comes from Polish roots. During his teenage years, Keselowski worked in his dad’s race shop, doing chores like sweeping floors and mowing the lawn. He started racing stock cars in the Factory Stock division in 2000.