Fans wonder about Matt Kenseth’s absence as RFK legends gather to honor Jack Roush

Former NASCAR Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski recently shared a photo of the “RFK Legends” gathering to honor Jack Roush. Prior to the 2026 season, Roche became the first person in the history of the sport to win the Bill France Award of Excellence twice in his career, which was presented during the rally. However, fans were quick to notice Matt Kenseth disappearing from the frame and questioned Kenseth for not attending the rally.

Roche was nicknamed “The Cat in the Hat” after his straw hat, which became part of his look. It featured some of the greatest drivers in the sport, including Mark Martin, Matt Kenseth, Kurt Busch, Carl Edwards, Jeff Burton, and the late Greg Biffle.

The entire RFK Racing staff gathered to present the award to Jack Roush. However, it wasn’t just Kurt Busch and Matt Kenseth that were part of the gathering. Commenting on this, Brad Keselowski commented on the photo:

“Some familiar faces and RFK legends are back today to celebrate the man who started it all, Jack Roush. He was honored with the Bill France Award of Excellence last year, and it was very special to bring everyone together to share stories. Here’s to more stories… and more wins and championships to come.”

Fans quickly noticed this and asked the duo in the comments why they were not there, with one writing:

“Where’s Matt Kenseth?”

Another commented:

“Where’s the GOAT @mattkenseth and KurtBusch?”

Here are some other reactions to the news:

“No Kurt Busch?” User X asked.

“Kenseth? Kurt Busch?” one NASCAR fan wrote.

“I wish Matt was there,” one motorsport fan commented.

“No Kenseth?” Another X user asked.

Jack Roush was the man behind the team we all know as RFK Racing. He founded the team in 1988, and since then, the team has won two Cup Series titles, five Xfinity Series titles, and one Camping World Truck Series title. The team’s name was originally Roush Racing. It was then changed to Roush Fenway Racing in 2007, and finally became Roush-Fenway-Keselowski Racing in 2022.

The RFK Racing legend has been inducted into the 2026 Hall of Fame

In 2025, NASCAR revealed the names of the Hall of Fame class of 2026. The list included the names of former stock car drivers Kurt Busch, Ray Hendrick, and Harry Gantt.

The decision was made after an extensive vote among committee members. The committee named Gant, Hendrick and former RFK Racing driver Busch as their top picks. In addition, former President and General Manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, Hamp Wheeler, also joined the previous Landmark Award drivers.

The governing body divided the votes into two categories. Next, former RFK Racing driver Harry Gant received 61% of the vote, with Jeb Burton third in the standings. In contrast, Hendrick alone received 31% of the votes in the Pioneers section.

The 2026 Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place on January 23, 2026 at the Charlotte Convention Center in North Carolina. NASCAR Channel also broadcast the event live at 8 p.m. ET.