Kasey Kahne News
Friday, July 16, 2010
Kasey Kahne to drive Kyle Busch Motorsports truck at Pocono: Kasey Kahne, who is undefeated in two career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts, will pilot the No. 18 Toyota of Scranton (Pa.) Toyota Tundra for Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) in the inaugural Pocono Mountains 125 Truck Series event July 31 at Pocono Raceway. Kahne, who drives the #9 Budweiser Ford full-time for Richard Petty Motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, won Truck Series races in November 2004 at Darlington Raceway and Homestead-Miami Speedway. "It's a big deal for us to have someone like Kasey in the #18 Toyota Tundra," said KBM driver-owner Kyle Busch. "His Truck Series record is about as good as it can get, given that he's never lost a race. He's obviously got a good record at Pocono in the Sprint Cup Series as well, so we know he'll give us a great chance to go to victory lane." The Pocono Mountains 125 is the first-ever Truck Series event at Pocono Raceway, which is located 38 miles south of Toyota of Scranton. Busch is hoping to win as an owner and a driver all in the same day, for while Kahne will drive the #18 Toyota of Scranton Toyota Tundra for KBM at Pocono, Busch will pilot the #18 Z-Line Designs Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Iowa Speedway in Newton.(KBM)
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Adam Sandler's new movie "Grown Ups" will be featured on deck lid of No. 9: Adam Sandler’s latest movie, “Grown Ups,” will adorn the deck lid of Kasey Kahne’s No. 9 Budweiser Ford this weekend for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 at Michigan International Speedway (MIS). Sunday’s race will mark the second time Kahne’s car has featured one of the comedian’s films at the two-mile track. “Click” adorned the hood of Kahne’s No. 9 car at MIS in June 2006. That weekend Kahne scored the pole award and ended the race in Victory Lane, where he was joined by Sandler as he celebrated the fifth win of his career. (Kasey Kahne Race Preview)
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Kahne uncertain about 2011 ride: Kasey Kahne said Friday at Dover International Speedway that there still has been no decision made on where he will be racing in 2011. Kahne announced last month that he would leave RPM to join Hendrick Motorsports in 2011. But Kahne's move called for him to drive for team owner Rick Hendrick in 2012 in the organization’s No. 5 Chevy currently driven by Mark Martin. That being the case, the question remains of just where Kahne will be driving next season. With the NASCAR cap of four teams per organization, Kahne won’t be in a Hendrick entry unless someone currently driving for the team vacates a seat. One possibility would be for him to drive for a Hendrick-affiliated team, such as Stewart-Haas Racing if that team expands from two to three teams. “Still no word on any of the specifics,” Kahne said after qualifying second-fastest for Sunday’s Autism Speaks 400. “Nothing has changed since the announcement. There is a lot going on – talking to Mr. Hendrick this week and last week, I think we are about three or four weeks out from finding anything out. I know I am getting a little anxious about it. They are working hard and want it to be the right decision. Whatever is decided, they want to do [it] the right way and make sure that they come up with the perfect place for me for next year.”(SceneDaily)
Monday, April 19, 2010
Special Kasey Kahne diecast available: Per Budweiser.com.... as we support America's troops by donating $250,000 to the USO's Operation Enduring Care. From May 1 to June 30, when you buy this Kasey Kahne Armed Forces die-cast car, you aid in that effort. This summer, Budweiser and Kasey Kahne salute those who serve, protect and defend our country at home and abroad. Be part of the excitement as Kasey drives a special Armed Forces car in two major races, in advance of holidays that commemorate our freedom and remember those who died to protect that freedom. This 1:24 scale die-cast racecar is an exact replica of the 2010 Budweiser Armed Forces Ford Fusion Kasey will drive in races at Charlotte May 30 and Daytona July 3. It features the Budweiser "Proud to Serve Those Who Serve" logo across the hood and the USO logo on the roll bar. A portion of your purchase price of this exceptional die-cast model goes to support the USO. And, at Daytona on July 3, Kasey himself will present Budweiser's $250,000 check to the USO.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Hendrick: Kasey Kahne is a future star: Mark Martin, 51, currently drives the No. 5 and is signed through the 2011 season. “Mark wants to drive that car and that’s where we are headed, right now,” Rick Hendrick said. So where does Kasey Kahne go in 2011? Hendrick said it was his responsibility to find a suitable temporary residence. “There wasn’t any doubt in my mind that this is a commitment I would make to Kasey, put the burden on my shoulders, because I see him as a future star and a guy that will be racing here a long time winning championships and races,” Hendrick said. “We’re going to figure out ‘11. If it was under the old regime, I have a building over here and I would have five teams, but I can’t do that.” (Charlotte Observer)
Kahne to drive No. 5 in 2012; 2011 plans remain unclear: It was reported initially that Kahne's deal with Hendrick would begin in 2011. A source close to the situation told ESPN.com that Kahne will take over the No. 5 car for the 2012 season, but his 2011 plans are still undecided. "I've actually thought a lot about that but I'm not sure what I'm going to do next year," Kahne said after taking batting practice with the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park on Tuesday. "I've given it some thought though." Sources confirm that Mark Martin will drive the No. 5 car through the 2011 season. There is room for Martin and Kahne in the Hendrick family. Stewart Haas Racing receives chassis, engines and technical support from HMS. So Kahne could be housed there until Martin's contract was up. Kahne is in the final year of his contract with Richard Petty Motorsports, and plans to finish the season in the No. 9 Ford, sources said. It is unknown whether Kahne's sponsor, Budweiser, will accompany him to HMS. Mark Wright, vice president of media, sports and entertainment marketing for Anheuser-Busch, Inc., said Budweiser is currently focused only on the current season with Kahne. "There have been no discussions relative to our sponsorship as of yet. We look forward to having those at the appropriate time," Wright said.(ESPN)
Hendrick statement on Kasey Kahne: Beginning with the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, Kasey Kahne will drive the No. 5 Chevys of Hendrick Motorsports after signing a long-term contract with the organization. Mark Martin, 51, the current driver of Hendrick Motorsports' No. 5 team, will complete the 2010 and 2011 seasons. When Kahne takes over in 2012, he will join teammates Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. in Hendrick's four-car stable. "In Kasey, we saw an opportunity to cement a big piece of our future," said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. "He possesses incredible talent and a tremendous dedication to his craft, and we know he'll be a great fit within our company. Kasey has earned the respect of his future teammates by the way he's handled himself on and off the racetrack, and we know he'll be a contributor to the success of Hendrick Motorsports for many years to come. To have someone of his caliber join our team is an unbelievable opportunity for us." "I have a comfort level with Mr. Hendrick, my future teammates and the culture of the organization," said Kahne, whose contract with Hendrick Motorsports will run through the 2015 Sprint Cup season. "For me, it's the right fit on every level, and I think it gives me a great chance to win races and compete for championships. "Determining the next step in my career has been an important process, and I'm excited and relieved to have the decision made and announced. Now it's my responsibility to put all of my energy into winning races and having a successful 2010 with my current team and our sponsors." Although 2012 and beyond has been solidified, Kahne is not scheduled to drive a Hendrick Motorsports entry in 2011 due to NASCAR's four-car limit. While who he will race for has not yet been determined, Kahne intends to drive a full Sprint Cup Series schedule next season. "If this opportunity was going to happen, I knew having some unanswered questions would be part of the scenario at this stage," Kahne acknowledged. "Hendrick Motorsports has a commitment to Mark Martin that they want to fulfill, and that's important. It's part of what attracts me to the team."(Hendrick Motorsports)
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Richard Petty Motorsports confirms Kahne's departure: Richard Petty Motorsports announced that driver Kasey Kahne has informed the team he will not renew his contract at the conclusion of the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. Kahne, driver the #9 Budweiser Ford Fusion, has been with RPM since entering NASCAR's premier series in 2004. "Kasey is a very talented driver and I have enjoyed watching him race. We all wish him nothing but the best and hope he succeeds in anything he chooses to do," said team owner Richard Petty. "Drivers like Kasey Kahne are the very reason we got into this sport. Kasey has helped us get to where we are today," George Gillett, owner of Richard Petty Motorsports said. "We wish him well in his future however we have the rest of this season to race together and we're looking forward to a successful remainder of the year."(RPM)
Report: Kahne to Hendrick Motorsports: Kasey Kahne, the hottest potential free agent in NASCAR entering the season, has signed a multiyear agreement to join Hendrick Motorsports in 2011, multiple sources close to negotiations confirmed to ESPN.com Tuesday. The details of the deal, such as which car Kahne will drive, are still being finalized, sources said. The prevailing thought is Kahne will occupy the No. 5 car currently driven by Mark Martin, sources said. Martin signed a contract extension last year through the 2011 season. There is room for Martin and Kahne in the Hendrick family. Stewart Haas Racing receives chassis, engines and technical support from HMS. So Kahne could be housed there until Martin's contract was up, if necessary. In 2008 Dale Earnhardt Jr. signed a five-year deal with Hendrick. Jimmie Johnson last year signed an extension through 2015, and Jeff Gordon has a lifetime contract. Kahne is in the final year of his contract with Richard Petty Motorsports, and plans to finish the season in the No. 9 Ford, sources said. It is unknown whether Kahne's sponsor, Budweiser, will accompany him to HMS. Hendrick Motorsports officials had no comment. Calls placed to Kahne, who turned 30 last weekend, and to his agent were not returned.(ESPN)
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Kahne uncertain about future: Kasey Kahne is in the final year of his driving contracts and as such are considered a prize free agents in the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Silly Season class. Kahne has said that how Richard Petty Motorsports performs in the early races this season will go a long way towards determining whether he re-signs with the team or moves elsewhere in 2011. Asked by SPEEDtv.com Tuesday if he had come to a decision about whether to stay at RPM or move on, Kahne said, "Not yet. ... I feel like we've had a pretty good five races – seven if you count the other two (Budweiser Shootout and Gatorade Duel) to start the year – so I feel pretty good about where we're at and where we can still go this year." And despite being 23rd in points, Kahne said he was optimistic that his team could rebound and he could qualify for the Chase for the Sprint Cup. "We've had just a few things go on, but that's racing and things happen," said Kahne. "I think we can recover from that and gain some of those points back pretty quick, and get in the top 12 and win races."(SPEEDtv.com)
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Kahne running new Dodge engine: Kasey Kahne, who qualified 2nd for the Dickies 500 at Texas Motor Speedway, confirmed that he is competing with Dodge's latest R6 V-8 engine. "The engine is running awesome. It just felt really good," said Kahne, winner of the spring race here in 2006. "I could feel the racetrack around the whole corner and down the straightaways. It was really about all I had. I'm looking forward to this weekend. We've made some really nice gains in our engine shop here the last few months."(Racin' Today)
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009
Kahne has worries about Petty and Yates merger: While Kasey Kahne is back in the Chase, the question is how motivated his team will be. Richard Petty Motorsports has a letter of intent to merge with Yates Racing for next season. Such a union is likely to cost some people at RPM their jobs. So how does Kahne handle this situation of motivating folks in the organization as some worry about their future? "It's definitely something I've thought about," he said. "The timing seems a little off. Why are we doing this now (when) we are looking at starting the Chase and, hopefully, being as competitive as we have ever been in the Chase?" (Greenboro News-Record)
Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009
No. 9 Kasey Kahne crew wins Tissot Pit Road Award: Kasey Kahne's pit crew captured the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Monday's rain-delayed Pennsylvania 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Pocono Raceway. It was the first Tissot win of the season for the No. 9 Richard Petty Motorsports crew, which became the 14th different winner of the weekly competition. Kahne's Dodge Charger spent the least amount of time on pit road 222.986 seconds -- during the 200-lap, 500-mile race. The quick work by the No. 9 crew helped Kahne post a fifth-place finish. The No. 9 over-the-wall crew consists of: John Royer (front-tire changer), Shawn Ward (front-tire carrier), Jim Carbon (rear-tire changer), Kevin Duncan (rear-tire carrier), Eric Wilson (jackman), Mark "Tank" Probus (gasman), Rick Pennington (catch can) and John Oehler (windshield). The team's crew chief is Kenny Francis and the pit crew coach is Brett Cumming. Kahne's crew will collect $5,000 for the pit road win. The team with the most Tissot Pit Road Precision Award wins at the completion of the 36-race Sprint Cup schedule will receive a $100,000 bonus plus Tissot watches for the crew and driver. Greg Biffle's No. 16 crew leads the Tissot competition with four wins while Jeff Gordon's crew is second with three wins.(Tissot)
Monday, Aug. 3, 2009
Kasey Kahne to Michael Waltrip Racing? Motorsports reporter Mike Mulhern was reporting that despite winning at Sonoma on June 21, Kahne could end up in a Toyota before the end of the season. Petty has been coy as to whether that rumor will bear out. However even if Kahne doesn't end up in a Toyota this season, he may very well be in one next season ... with Michael Waltrip Racing. If RPM is unable to get its finances in order, they may just have to cut Kahne loose. But if that's the case, you could expect more suitors for Kahne's services other than MWR. (CBSSports.com - NASCAR Silly Season)
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Kasey Kahne set to start 200th Cup race: Kasey Kahne is set to make his 200th consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start when he takes the green flag at this weekend’s Allstate 400 at the Brickyard. Talk about making your 200th start this weekend at Indy. “It’s hard to believe this will be the 200th start. It doesn’t seem like that long ago that I was racing sprint cars in Washington. I feel pretty fortunate to be able to do what I do for a living. I’ve celebrated a lot of great moments in racing and I hope to celebrate more. I still have a lot of goals – I want to win races and compete for and win championships. I’ve had a lot of great support getting to this point and I’m thankful for the success that I have had in NASCAR. I’m lucky to work with the guys on this Budweiser team that support me each week and look forward to rewarding them with more wins.”(Elevation Group/RPM)
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Kasey Kahne to stay with Dodge: As Sirius Speedway first reported yesterday, sources inside the walls at RPM say plans have been made to field Toyota Camrys for Kasey Kahne beginning in mid-August, as soon as team officials finalize a financial settlement package with Dodge. Those negotiations have reportedly taken a sudden turn in recent days, though, with the possibility now existing for Kahne and his RPM teammates to remain in the Dodge camp, after all. Nobody seems to know exactly what turned the tide back in Dodge’s favor. Speculation ranges from a juicy incentive package offered by Dodge, to a bit of hardball by the automaker holding RPM to its existing contracts. (Sirius Speedway)
Monday, June 22, 2009
Kahne in a Toyota this year? Speculation is increasing that Dodge driver Kasey Kahne, who runs for Richard Petty, could switch to a Toyota by the July 11th Sprint Cup race at Chicago. Petty has said that Chrysler has cut its payments to his four-car operation, and apparently Petty has only enough engine parts for one of the new Dodge NASCAR engines. Petty's business partner, George Gillett, tried last season to make a deal with Toyota. There is no immediate comment from Toyota officials.(mikemulhern.net)
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Kahne took part in Whelen Modified test at Bristol: The day after a NASCAR Sprint Cup race might find a driver or crew chief in any number of places. Monday found Kasey Kahne and Cup car owner Tommy Baldwin, Jr. testing a NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour car at Bristol Motor Speedway. Kahne was one of 19 drivers turning laps on the world-famous high banks in preparation for the Aug. 19 UNOH Perfect Storm 150 modified event, the first NASCAR tour modified race at Bristol in 40 years and the first race in a Wednesday night doubleheader also featuring the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. "I expect to have fun," Kahne said Monday during a break in testing. "It's a great car, nice and fast, with good people working on it. I love Bristol. So, I expect to have fun." (Tri-Cities)
Friday, April 24, 2009
Kahne reiterates he's committed to Richard Petty Motorsports through 2010: Cross Kasey Kahne's name off the list of drivers on the move. He said Friday he doesn't want to break his contract with Richard Petty Motorsports at the end of the season. "I made a commitment to race with (the team) through 2010, so I'll do that for sure," Kahne said. "I told them from the start that if we can get our cars where they are right and competitive with the best teams out here, then I don't know why I would ever want to move from that company." Kahne's name has popped up recently as a potential free agent, based somewhat on his frustration of not being more consistent in the No. 9 Dodge. (Sioux City Journal)
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Kahne committed to RPM: Kasey Kahne, a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver from Enumclaw, said he doesn't want to break his contract with Richard Petty Motorsports at the end of the season. "I made a commitment to race with [the team] through 2010, so I'll do that for sure," said the 29-year-old Kahne. (Seattle Times)
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Francis wins MOOG "Problem Solver of the Race" Award: Kasey Kahne’s aggressive climb up the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup standings continued with a top-five finish in the Food City 500 in Bristol, Tenn. Kahne’s crew chief, Kenny Francis, received the NASCAR® MOOG® “Problem Solver of the Race” Award for his role in the team’s success at Bristol Motor Speedway. Francis is the fifth Sprint Cup crew chief in five 2009 events to win the MOOG award. Sponsored by Federal-Mogul Corporation, the NASCAR MOOG Problem Solver of the Race Award is presented to the Sprint Cup crew chief whose team posts the largest increase in average lap speed from the first half to the second half of a race. Kahne, Francis and the No. 9 Budweiser Chevrolet picked up a race-best .014-second in average lap speed in Sunday’s event, powering the Richard Petty Motorsports team to its best finish of the year. “The guys did a great job in the pits,” Kahne told the Charlotte Observer following the race. “The last two weeks, everybody…has done an awesome job and we’ve made some nice gains.” (PR)
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Kahne and Setzer to test at Motor Mile: The Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway is slated for March 29, 2009. In hopes of finding success at Martinsville on that Sunday, two Sprint Cup teams participated in a test this past Tuesday at Motor Mile Speedway. In attendance on this particular Tuesday were Kasey Kahne, driver of Richard Petty Motorsports’ no. 9 Budweiser Dodge, and the no. 46 Romeo Guest sponsored Dodge, owned by Carl Long and driven by Dennis Setzer. It was Kahne’s first outing at the .416-mile oval. For veteran driver Dennis Setzer, the asphalt corners of MMS have become as familiar as the finish line at Martinsville. (MotorMileSpeedway.com)
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Budweiser committed to Kasey Kahne and NASCAR: Kasey Kahne says Anheuser-Busch appears committed to him and the Sprint Cup series even though the beer company on Monday ended its sponsorship with the NHRA and Kenny Bernstein Racing. "We have another year with Budweiser," Kahne, driver of the No. 9 Budweiser Dodge, said during a Wednesday tire test at Lowe's Motor Speedway. "They've been great to work with. They've been my favorite sponsor I've ever had. "I hope we do things to keep them happy and keep impressing them and keep working with them for a long time." Dan McHugh, vice president of media, sponsorship and activation for Anheuser-Busch, said in a statement: "Budweiser remains committed to its presence in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, including sponsorship of Kasey Kahne and the No. 9 Budweiser Dodge, as well as the Budweiser Shootout." (ESPN.com)
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Kahne to serve community service: Gillett Evernham Motorsports driver #9-Kasey Kahne will have his record cleared provided he performs 50 hours of community service and donates $50 donation to a court charity to resolve a misdemeanor battery charge from Homestead-Miami Speedway in November 2007. The court will dismiss the misdemeanor charge against Kahne once he performs his community service, according to Miami-Dade County (Fla.) court records. Such matters are typically resolved with this type of agreement when there is a dispute over the facts and the accused, with no criminal record, prefers to take care of the matter without going to trial. Kahne has maintained his innocence in the matter over whether he pushed security guard Archibald Hutchinson, who was guarding the driver motorhome lot Nov. 16, 2007 during the race weekend at Homestead. (SceneDaily.com)
June 22, 2006:
UPS heading to Roush? Car owner Ray Evernham had until last Friday to convince Dodge officials to allow UPS to sponsor Kasey Kahne's Dodge next year, and apparently he couldn't do it. That means UPS will sponsor Greg Biffle's Ford next year. (Augusta Chronicle)
June 19, 2006:
Francis Wins WYPALL® Wipers Race Award: Kasey Kahne and Kenny Francis, crew chief of the No. 9 Dodge, appeared to be bulletproof at this weekend’s 3M Performance 400. The duo overcame a run-in with the wall and an overheating machine to score their fourth win of 2006. Francis’ day earned him the WYPALL® Wipers Crew Chief of the Race award. Kahne started his weekend out with a bang; with a speed of 185.644 mph, Kahne sat the Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge on the pole. Unfortunately for the No. 9 team, Kahne’s car tagged the retaining wall during the final practice session. Francis was able to repair the damage; however, Kahne wasn’t able to turn any laps in the reformed vehicle until go-time. Still, the No. 9 showed little evidence of weakness in the race, as Kahne led the opening lap and was once again in the top spot on lap 32. Kahne’s fortune took another turn south, though, when a piece of debris collected on the grill of his car, causing the engine to overheat. Francis called his driver in for an unscheduled stop on lap 38 to clean the grill, which relegated him to 38th place, one lap down to the leaders. Kahne was the beneficiary of the “lucky dog” award on lap 55 when the caution flag waved for rain. Once he was back on the lead lap, Kahne methodically worked his way through the field. He recaptured the lead on lap 117 and held on until lap 129, when the race was called due to rain. “It was nerve-racking, that’s for sure,” said Francis. “I think part of the key to it for sure was being on the pole and having that pit box. The way it’s laid out here, that’s a big advantage under caution. We knew it was going to rain and we kept watching the radar in the pit box. When they finally did throw the yellow, I couldn’t believe it was raining. It was just surrounding.” A panel of voters; including a member of the local media, Robbie Reiser and a WYPALL® Wipers representative; all cast their vote for Francis as the crew chief who did the best job. (SMC 500 Press Release)
June 18, 2006:
Kahne wins rain-shortened race: Rain washed away Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s shot at a victory Sunday at Michigan International Speedway, but the wet weather didn't dampen his spirits. "I'm real happy and ready to go home," Earnhardt said after finishing third in the 3M Performance 400. "Man, it's 5 o'clock. It's pretty late." Besides, there's no sense working overtime on a Nextel Cup superspeedway this season with Kasey Kahne in the lead. The 26-year-old got his series-high fourth win, leading the final 13 laps of a race shortened by 71 laps because of a midafternoon storm. (USA Today - Results - Points)
May 29, 2006:
Kahne to speak at NHIS Governor's breakfast: Kasey Kahne, former NASCAR Rookie of the Year and driver for the Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge #9 will be this year’s headline speaker at the annual Morgan Stanley Governor’s Breakfast at New Hampshire International Speedway in Loudon, on Friday, July 14, 2006. The Governor’s Breakfast, an annual event before the July NEXTEL Cup race, has, for the last 5 years, been a fund raiser for the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth (CHaD) and David’s House. In addition to Governor Lynch and his wife, Dr. Susan Lynch, past speakers have included Scott Wimmer, driver of the CAT car # 22, who spoke to a sold out tent of fans; NEXTEL, Busch North and Featherweight drivers; and CHaD families. Ray Evernham, owner of the Evernham Motorsports and Kyle Petty, driver of the Georgia Pacific car, have been past speakers and continue to be regular guests. Both Wimmer and Evernham spoke from personal experience of having a child with a chronic, life threatening illness, and the necessity of a top quality children’s hospital like CHaD. (NHIS PR)
May 28, 2006:
Kahne wins Coca-Cola 600: Jimmie Johnson's reign ended in frantic - but fruitless - pursuit of Kasey Kahne. There's finally a new Coca-Cola 600 winner, and somebody other than Johnson celebrated in Lowe's Motor Speedway's Victory Lane for the first time in six races. Kahne snapped Johnson's streak of dominance by taking the lead with 29 laps to go, then pulling out to such a huge lead that Johnson never had a chance to catch him. Johnson, the winner of the past three Coca-Cola 600s and seven of the last 10 races at Lowe's, finished second. He was well over 2 seconds behind Kahne, who stopped his car at the finish line to grab the checkered flag and celebrate with his team. It was Kahne's third victory of the season, and the first win for a Dodge at this track since Richard Petty in 1977. (AP/FOXSports.com - Results - Points)
May 8, 2006:
Spark plug wire cost Kahne: Defending champion Kasey Kahne's chance of a repeat ended early when he had to pit to repair an engine problem and lost five laps. He ended up 34th, four laps down. "They left off two spark plug wires," Kahne said. "We put them back on and there was nothing wrong. That's the third time it's happened this year. We've got to figure out why they're falling off or whatever is going on there. We had a top five car. We definitely could have battled with those guys, but we didn't want to get up there and mess with the leaders. "I think [Kevin] Harvick might have been the only car that passed us under green after we got back out there. Harvick definitely had the car to beat tonight for 300 laps. I can't believe he lost it." (Times-Dispatch)
May 2, 2006:
Kahne must be cleared to test Today and Wednesday: NASCAR officials say Evernham Motorsports driver Kasey Kahne will have to get medical clearance before he's allowed to test Tuesday at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Kahne talked with Dr. Jerry Petty, a Charlotte, N.C., neurosurgeon, on Monday and has a Tuesday morning appointment with Petty to get clearance. Kahne crashed early in the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway Monday afternoon, and NASCAR officials did not allow him to return to the Nextel Cup race. "The medical people didn't think it would be good for him to get back in the car again," NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp said, adding that the driver of the No. 9 Dodge was too "shaken up" to return. (NASCAR Scene Daily)
April 10, 2006:
Francis Wins Wypall Crew Chief of the Race: Kenny Francis and Kasey Kahne teamed up to capture another win this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. For the second time this season, Kahne started on the pole and held on to take the checkers, this time out-dueling Tony Stewart and Matt Kenseth in the final stages of the Samsung / Radio Shack 500. Francis' dominant weekend earned him the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Race. A panel of voters; including Tony Eury Sr., a member of the local media and a Wypall Wipers representative; all cast their vote for Francis as the Crew Chief of the Race. For winning the Crew Chief of the Race award, Wypall Wipers gave Francis $1,000. At the end of the season, the crew chief with the most weekly wins will receive $20,000 and be crowned the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Year. This was Francis' second Crew Chief of the Race award in 2006, which ties him with Robbie Reiser for the lead. Darian Grubb and Roy McCauley are tied for second-place in the standings, each with one win. (Wypall PR)
Said helping Evernham on Road Courses
March 21, 2006:
Francis Wins Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Race: The only person that Kasey Kahne couldn't outrun this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway was Mother Nature. Sunday afternoon's rain showers forced NASCAR to postpone the Golden Corral 500 until the following day, but Kahne had no problem leaving the field in his #9 Dodge Charger's wake once the race went green. Kahne's day earned his crew chief, Kenny Francis, the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Race. A panel of voters; including Tony Eury Sr., a member of the local media and a Wypall Wipers representative; all agreed that Francis deserved Crew Chief of the Race honors for putting Kahne in position to collect the win. For winning the Crew Chief of the Race award, Francis was presented $1,000. At the end of the season the crew chief with the most weekly wins will receive $20,000 and be crowned the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Year. This was Francis' first Crew Chief of the Race award in 2006, which ties him with Darian Grubb for second-place in the standings. Robbie Reiser is in the lead with two wins. (Wypall PR)
March 17, 2006:
Kahne wins Pole, Lester makes field: Bill Lester stole the show from pole-winner Kasey Kahne on Friday night at Atlanta Motor Speedway, earning a spot in the Golden Corral 500 to become the first black driver to qualify for a race in NASCAR's top series in nearly 20 years. Driving a Dodge fielded by Bill Davis Racing and facing enormous pressure, Lester put up a lap of 190.502 mph early in the Nextel Cup series qualifying session on the 1.5-mile oval. Lester still had to wait for more than an hour to see if he would make it into the 43-car field for Sunday's race. "I'm just glad I was able to realize my dream and get this opportunity," said Lester, who qualified 19th overall. The top 35 cars from last season's owners points are guaranteed starting spots at every race, leaving only eight places to the other entries like the 45-year-old Lester, trying to make a Cup race for the first time. (Washington Post - Starting Line up)
Jan. 23, 2006:
Allstate and Kahne in Nashville: On Wednesday, January 25, from 5:30 pm - 8:00pm NASCAR driver and 2004 Rookie of the Year, Kasey Kahne will make a pit stop at the Opryland Mills Mall with Allstate to promote the importance of being prepared both on and off the track. The stop in Nashville will allow fans of all ages to meet one of NASCAR's top drivers and People Magazine's, America's Top 50 Bachelors, Kasey Kahne as he takes part in a NASCAR 101 driver session, Q&A and an autograph session. The first 125 fans will receive (at 5:00pm) an Allstate wristband to guarantee a place in line for the autograph session. (Nashville Superspeedway PR)
Jan. 15, 2006:
Chili Bowl Coverage: Find the latest on the 20th annual Chili Bowl from Tulsa, OK at Oklahoma Race Connect including Saturday Nights Action, Tony Stewart again flips again, taken to area hospital and more... NASCAR's Kasey Kahne finished 13th in the 50 lap A-Main Saturday Night..
Kasey Kahne Page 2 News
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Birthdate: Apr. 10, 1980