NASCAR
Kasey Kahne to Make First NASCAR Start Since 2018 at Rockingham
WELCOME, N.C. – Richard Childress Racing announced Friday that NASCAR veteran Kasey Kahne will drive a third Chevrolet for the team in the Xfinity Series race at Rockingham Speedway on Saturday, April 19. Kahne will be behind the wheel of a No. 33 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet. This will be part of the first NASCAR event at ‘The Rock’ in over a decade.
“I’m excited to get back behind the wheel of a stock car, especially at a place like Rockingham Speedway,” said Kahne. “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.”
Throughout his 15-year Cup Series career, Kahne totaled 18 victories, 93 top-fives, and 176 top-10s. His résumé was highlighted with three Coca-Cola 600 wins, an All-Star Race (2008), and a Brickyard 400 victory (2017). 2023 also saw the Enumclaw, Washington native named one of the 75 Greatest Drivers in NASCAR history. Kahne will be one of very few Xfinity drivers with past experience at Rockingham Speedway. He was runner-up to Matt Kenseth in 2004’s last Cup race, and won the Truck Series event at ‘The Rock’ in 2012.
“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.”
The RCR No. 33 last made an appearance at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May, 2024. That day, Kyle Busch drove the part-time entry to a sixth-place result.
Rick Hendrick, chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group, added, “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. 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.” Kahne previously drove for Hendrick Motorsports from 2012-2017, earning six wins.
Kahne spent the first 25 races of 2018 driving the Leavine Family Racing No. 95 Chevrolet. Following dehydration issues in that year’s Southern 500 at Darlington, Kahne was medically forced into NASCAR retirement. He has spent the years since racing sprint cars in World of Outlaws and High Limit Racing.
Before his NASCAR return, Kahne will take part in the NASCAR test at Rockingham Speedway on Tuesday, January 28. The Xfinity Series green flag will wave again at Rockingham on Saturday, April 19 at 4:00 p.m. ET.
Written by Peter Stratta
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Photo Credits to Richard Childress Racing
