Kasey Kahne addresses possible NASCAR Cup future ahead of Xfinity Series return

It’s been nearly seven years since Kasey Kahne last competed in a NASCAR Cup Series race, as he stepped away from full-time competition in 2018.

But on Saturday, April 19, Kahne will make his return to NASCAR, piloting the No. 33 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing in the Xfinity race at Rockingham Speedway. Could this one-off for RCR result in Kahne competing in a Cup race sometime down the line? That’s the big question, which Kahne addressed ahead of an organizational test Tuesday at the 1.017-mile track.

After almost 7 years, @kaseykahne has returned to NASCAR. What his journey back has been like, and could we see him racing in the Cup series again?@RaceFaceDigital | @Motors_Hotspot pic.twitter.com/zE8SDtZ3kH

— Scotte Sprinkle (@ScotteSprinkle) January 28, 2025

“I have no idea. I just wanted to do this one race and work with this group. It’s actually been really cool,” Kahne told Scotte Sprinkle of Short Track Scene. “Came together really quick but they’ve given me a great opportunity and a lot of really good people on the RCR staff. I’ve really enjoyed this time to this point and just want to finish off this test, get through the race and see how things are going.”

Kahne, 44, was one of NASCAR’s more popular drivers during his 15-year run. He made 529 Cup starts from 2004-18, winning 18 races. Kahne was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023. He has since taken his talents to the dirt racing scene, competing with the World of Outlaws and High-Limit Racing.

Kasey Kahne back for NASCAR return

But now, he’s ready to make at least one final drive in NASCAR.

“I’m excited to get back behind the wheel of a stock car, especially at a place like Rockingham Speedway,” Kahne said last week. “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.”

Kahne, however, isn’t back to just make some laps. He wants to win, and RCR believes he’s capable of taking the checkered flag.

“Kasey is a great driver and a fierce competitor,” Childress said. “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.”