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.
With the anticipation building, Kahne reflected on his past struggles with the grueling race calendar, sharing, “It got worse as soon as the summer months came and every week after that it was draining me those last couple years I did it.” Embracing the challenge with renewed vigor, Kahne is poised to make a statement at Rockingham, clocking in as the 18th fastest in the final Xfinity Series practice on Friday.
As the racing world awaits Kahne’s comeback at Rockingham, fans and competitors alike are gearing up for a spectacle that promises adrenaline-pumping action and fierce competition on the track. Stay tuned as Kahne revs up for a sensational return to the NASCAR Xfinity Series, ready to leave his mark on the hallowed grounds of Rockingham Speedway.