In the summer of 2018, Kasey Kahne was in the middle of his first (and only) season competing for Leavine Family Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series. The Enumclaw, Washington native had run the first 25 races of the season when an illness prematurely ended both his season and his NASCAR career.
Almost seven years later, Kahne will once again get behind the wheel of a NASCAR stock car, as he will drive the No. 33 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series event at Rockingham Speedway.
For Kahne, it is a return to a track where he enjoyed much success. Kahne’s first career top 10 and top five finish in the Cup Series came at the final series race at the venue in 2004, when Kahne was a rookie for Evernham Motorsports.
The 44 year-old was also victorious in the 2012 Camping World Truck Series race at the track, which was also the inaugural race for the series at Rockingham.
“I’m excited to get back behind the wheel of a stock car, especially at a place like Rockingham Speedway,” Kahne said. “Rockingham has been a special track throughout my career. I remember winning the Truck Series race in 2012 when the sport went back there last, so to be a part of the current return is cool. Very appreciative of the opportunity that Mr. Hendrick, Richard (Childress), and everyone at RCR have given me, along with the support of HendrickCars.com, Chevrolet, Curb Records, and Karavan Trailers. I look forward to hitting the track next week for the test.”
Kahne will join Jesse Love and Austin Hill in the RCR stable for the race, with both of those drivers competing at Rockingham for the first time.
“Kasey is a great driver and a fierce competitor,” said Richard Childress, chairman and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “Our Xfinity Series program is top notch, and we look forward to watching Kasey race with Austin (Hill) and Jesse (Love) for an exciting return to Rockingham Speedway. With Kasey behind the wheel, we expect the No. 33 to have a shot at winning the race.”
Sponsorship for Kahne’s entry will come from HendrickCars.com, a sponsor Kahne had numerous times during his stint with Hendrick Motorsports.
“Kasey is a great friend and an incredibly talented driver, and we’re proud to have HendrickCars.com on board with him at Rockingham. It’s going to be exciting to see him return to NASCAR at such a special track and with a great team,” said Rick Hendrick, chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group. “I have tremendous respect for Richard and everything his organization has accomplished. We look forward to seeing Kasey return to NASCAR in what promises to be a memorable weekend for the sport.”
To help get reacclimated to stock cars, Kahne will participate in the upcoming Xfinity Series test at the track on January 28.
Kahne has 215 Xfinity Series starts to his credit, with the most recent one being at Talladega in 2017. He has also competed in five NXS events at Rockingham including the spring race in 2002, which also served as his series debut.
The NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Rockingham will take place on Saturday, April 19, and will be broadcast by The CW.
One Response
This is great stuff!