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Kasey Kahne’s Stunning NASCAR Comeback—After Six Years, He’s Back on Track

David Castro by David Castro
February 16, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
Kasey Kahne’s Stunning NASCAR Comeback—After Six Years, He’s Back on Track

Aug 10, 2018; Brooklyn, MI, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kasey Kahne (95) during qualifying for the Consumers Energy 400 at Michigan International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

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It’s been six long years since Kasey Kahne last strapped into a NASCAR stock car, but now, the 18-time Cup Series winner is ready to make his return.

On April 19, Kahne will pilot the No. 33 Chevrolet Camaro for Richard Childress Racing (RCR) in the Xfinity Series race at Rockingham Speedway, marking a highly anticipated comeback for one of NASCAR’s most beloved drivers.

“When you put basically your whole life into racing and NASCAR for that many years—16 years in the sport—you take a little time off, but coming back still feels pretty familiar,” Kahne said after testing at Rockingham.

For longtime fans, this is the moment they’ve been waiting for.

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Why Now? How Dirt Racing Helped Kahne Get Back to NASCAR

Kahne’s NASCAR career ended in 2018 due to heat exhaustion issues, cutting short his tenure with Leavine Family Racing. Even though he had already planned to retire from full-time competition, his final season ended prematurely after just 25 races.

Since then, Kahne has remained active in motorsports, competing in dirt racing with the World of Outlaws and High Limit Racing, a series co-owned by Kyle Larson and Brad Sweet.

Over time, Kahne’s health stabilized, and he proved to himself—and the racing world—that he’s still got what it takes to handle high-speed competition.

Now, with NASCAR reviving Rockingham Speedway for the first time in over a decade, the timing couldn’t be more perfect for Kahne’s return.


The Rockingham Connection—A Track Kahne Almost Conquered as a Rookie

Rockingham Speedway holds a special place in Kahne’s career.

  • 2004: In just his second-ever Cup Series start, Kahne nearly pulled off a shocking victory, battling reigning champion Matt Kenseth to the checkered flag in a photo finish—losing by just 0.01 seconds.
  • 2012: Kahne entered the NASCAR Truck Series race at Rockingham—and won.

Now, he returns to “The Rock” for one more shot at victory, this time in Xfinity machinery with RCR.

“The first time I ever tested a stock car was here,” Kahne recalled. “I’ve just always really enjoyed this place.”


A Star-Studded Partnership—RCR and Hendrick Back Kahne’s Return

Kahne’s No. 33 Chevrolet Camaro will be sponsored by HendrickCars.com, a brand owned by Hendrick Motorsports team owner Rick Hendrick.

“Kasey is a great friend and an incredibly talented driver,” Hendrick said. “We’re proud to have him back in NASCAR at such a special track with a great team.”

Kahne raced for Hendrick Motorsports from 2012 to 2017, winning six races, including the Coca-Cola 600 twice, and placing as high as fourth in the 2012 championship.

Now, with RCR’s powerhouse operation behind him, he’ll have everything he needs to compete for the win at Rockingham.


Can Kahne’s Comeback Lead to More NASCAR Starts?

Right now, this is a one-race deal. But if Kahne runs well at Rockingham, could it open the door for more Xfinity or Truck Series races in 2025?

Given how much fan excitement his return is generating, it’s easy to see teams and sponsors pushing for more opportunities.

One thing is certain—on April 19, NASCAR fans will be watching Kasey Kahne’s comeback closely.

And if he finds Victory Lane at Rockingham?

Well, that would be one heck of a way to return.

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