Kasey Kahne, a NASCAR veteran, is set to make a thrilling return to the Xfinity Series at Rockingham Speedway after nearly seven years away from the track. The 45-year-old racing star from Enumclaw, Wash., expressed his eagerness to reignite his passion for pavement racing by actively securing a spot in the North Carolina Education Lottery 250 Presented by Black’s Tire.
In a bold move driven by nostalgia and a burning desire to experience the adrenaline rush once again, Kahne shared, “Over the last year, I’ve been watching (NASCAR) more and more and wanting to see what it was like again and get those feelings that I had for so many years.” Taking matters into his own hands, Kahne orchestrated his comeback, rallying support from sponsors like Hendrick Cars, Caravan Trailers, and Curb Records, as well as forming a strategic partnership with RCR (Richard Childress Racing).
Behind the wheel of the No. 33 RCR Chevrolet, with seasoned crew chief Andy Street by his side, Kahne is gearing up for an exhilarating race at Rockingham, a track that holds sentimental value for him. His illustrious NASCAR career, which began with an Xfinity Series start at Rockingham in 2002, boasts an impressive record of 18 victories in the Cup Series, eight in the Xfinity Series, and five in the Craftsman Truck Series.
While Kahne’s racing journey has been illustrious, the toll of the demanding schedule led him to bid farewell to NASCAR after the 2018 season. Citing health concerns, Kahne explained, “As far as my health, I’m in a good place right now because I don’t do this all the time.” Finding solace in the intermittent nature of his current racing endeavors, which include competing at the highest level of 410 sprint car racing, Kahne is ready to make a triumphant return to the track.
期待が高まる中、カーンは過去の厳しいレースカレンダーでの苦闘を振り返り、「夏の月が来るとすぐに悪化し、その後の数年間は毎週私を疲れさせていた」と語った。新たな活力で挑戦を受け入れたカーンは、金曜日の最終Xfinityシリーズの練習で18番目に速いタイムを記録し、ロッキンガムでのパフォーマンスを披露する準備が整っている。
レース界がカーンのロッキンガムでのカムバックを待つ中、ファンや競技者たちは、トラック上でのアドレナリンが高まるアクションと激しい競争を約束する壮大なスペクタクルに備えている。
カーンがNASCAR Xfinityシリーズへの素晴らしい復帰に向けて準備を整え、ロッキンガムスピードウェイの神聖な地に足跡を残す準備が整った。
