Kasey Kahne reflects on journey back to NASCAR

Kasey Kahne is finally returning to the NASCAR world. After stepping away from full-time competition in 2018, he’ll be piloting the No. 33 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing in the Xfinity race at Rockingham Speedway.

It’s been an arduous journey for Kahne back to NASCAR, but he couldn’t be more excited to get behind the wheel once again. As he begins testing for the race on Saturday, April 19, the legendary wheelman reflected on what it took to make his grand return.

“I’ve paid close attention to what’s going on in NASCAR,” Kahne said, via Scotte Sprinkle of Short Track Scene. “Still have some friendships with certain people, and stay in touch on that. I have the Sprint Car teams that have done really well. Since I haven’t been in NASCAR, I’ve raced a lot in the Sprint Car. I feel like it’s so much different than this style of racing. So, just working hard, getting better at that, from a personal level.

“Then, I saw this Rockingham race pop up, and I was like, ‘Man, that’s a track I know, and I’ve enjoyed racing at over the years.’ So, I started reaching out, trying to figure out a way to get back into it, and do a race. It felt like four or five years since I’ve raced, and it’s more like six and a half is what they’ve said. It’s been awhile.”

If all goes well in Kahne’s return to the Xfinity Series, the question will become whether he could compete in a Cup Series race down the line? That’s the big question, which Kahne also addressed ahead of the test at the 1.017-mile track.

“I have no idea. I just wanted to do this one race and work with this group. It’s actually been really cool,” Kahne added. “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.”

All told, 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. 

If he does ever decide to try a Cup Series race again, Kasey Kahne would likely be welcomed with open arms. Here’s to hoping we’ll get to see it come to fruition sooner rather than later.

— On3’s Nick Geddes contributed to this article.