Kasey Kahne’s departure from Hendrick Motorsports in 2017 was met with high praise from team owner Rick Hendrick. In a statement released by Hendrick Motorsports, Mr. Hendrick commended Kahne’s work ethic and dedication during his time with the team. Kahne had joined HMS in 2012 after his previous team, Red Bull Racing, disbanded at the end of the 2011 season. Taking over the #5 car from Mark Martin, Kahne made an immediate impact by securing two wins, 12 Top 5 finishes, 19 Top 10 finishes, and four pole positions in his debut season with the team.
Over the course of his six-year tenure at Hendrick Motorsports, Kahne added four more wins to his resume before deciding to part ways with the team at the end of the 2018 season. Despite his departure, Rick Hendrick had nothing but positive words for Kahne, stating, “Kasey has worked extremely hard. He’s a tremendous teammate and person, and he has been totally dedicated to our program since day one. I’ve always believed that he’s a special talent, and I know he will thrive in the right situation.”
In response, Kahne expressed his gratitude towards Rick Hendrick and the entire Hendrick Motorsports team for the opportunities and successes he experienced during his time with the organization. Following his departure, Kahne made the move to Leavine Family Racing in 2018, taking over the #95 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
Fast forward to 2025, and Kasey Kahne is gearing up for a return to the Cup Series with Richard Childress Racing on a part-time basis. The 44-year-old driver will pilot the #33 entry for RCR at Rockingham Speedway on April 19, marking his first Cup Series race since retiring from full-time racing in 2018. Kahne expressed his excitement about returning to the track, stating, “It felt like four or five years maybe since I’d raced, and it’s more like six and a half is what they’d said, so it’s been a while.”
Throughout his 15-year career in the top-tier stock car racing, Kahne competed in 529 races, securing 18 wins, 27 pole positions, and 176 Top 10 finishes. His upcoming race at Rockingham Speedway will undoubtedly be a highly anticipated event for fans and competitors alike. As Kasey Kahne prepares to make his comeback, the racing world eagerly awaits his return to the track.
