RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING PHOTO
For the first time in nearly six years, Kasey Kahne will suit up to get back behind the wheel of a stock car to pilot a third entry for Richard Childress Racing in Saturday’s Xfinity Series race. Rockingham Speedway was the very site where the 45-year-old Enumclaw, Washington native made his first career Xfinity Series start and his debut in the NASCAR national ranks. Kahne quickly moved up into NASCAR’s top division in 2004 to start what turned into a 15-year career in the series.
Throughout his career, Kahne amassed 18 Cup Series wins, eight Xfinity Series wins and five Truck Series wins, with his final win in each series coming in a Chevrolet-powered machine. Among those triumphs included three Coca-Cola 600 victories, as well as the win in the 2017
Brickyard 400 that marked his final trip to victory lane before retiring from full-time NASCAR competition.
Kasey Kahne, No. 33 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
The NASCAR Xfinity Series test at Rockingham Speedway was your first time back in a stock car in years. Describe how that test went and how you felt during it.
“It had been six and a half years. It was really nice to be back in a car. I didn’t know exactly how it would feel and if I would have to refigure out how to drive in a way, but truthfully once I got to Turn 3 coming to the start of practice and the car loaded into the corner, I instantly felt right at home and felt like I had been doing it for a while. From there on, it was a solid practice for the next four or five hours.”
Did you have any nerves before making those first laps at the test?
“There was definitely a little bit of nerves with wondering how I would pick it up and how the car would feel. It felt very similar to what it did six years ago. On the Xfinity side, it doesn’t feel like
those cars have changed a lot, but I still saw and felt it the same way I did in the past. I was happy with that.”
Are there specific things that are on your mind heading into your first race back?
“There are a few key things that I’ve thought about. Doing live pit stop again. Getting the balance of the car to a point where I can run throughout the entire race without getting too tight or too loose for my driving style. Working with spotters and understanding where other cars are around you. I haven’t had a spotter in so long. You just race in sprint cars, but spotters are great. Getting on the same page for that to take advantage of situations instead of getting used up. Restarts will be important. Overall, I just want to make sure that I’m prepared as I can be to put together a solid day.”
What are you looking forward to the most?
“I’m looking forward to the race the most. Driving, racing, competing. Trying to win or run top five, top 10; be in the hunt and part of the mix. That’s why I’m doing this. To have a good time and
get all that we can.”
NASCAR AT ROCKINGHAM THIS WEEKEND
Friday, April 18 — NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, 5 p.m. ET (FS1)
Saturday, April 19 — NASCAR Xfinity Series, 4 p.m. ET (CW)