Richard Childress Racing (RCR) has announced that veteran NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne will join their lineup for the NASCAR Xfinity Series event at Rockingham Speedway on Saturday, April 19. Kahne will pilot the No. 33 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, marking his return to stock car racing at the historic venue, which hasn’t hosted a NASCAR race in over a decade.
A Storied History at “The Rock”
For Kahne, the return to Rockingham Speedway brings back special memories. He last competed at the track in 2012 when he secured a victory in the NASCAR Truck Series, making this opportunity particularly meaningful.
“I’m excited to get back behind the wheel of a stock car, especially at a place like Rockingham Speedway,” Kahne shared. “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.”
A Legacy in NASCAR
Kahne’s impressive career spans 15 years in the NASCAR Cup Series, where he earned 18 victories, 93 top-five finishes, and 176 top-10 finishes. His achievements include three Coca-Cola 600 wins and a Brickyard 400 victory. In 2023, Kahne was honored as one of the 75 Greatest Drivers in NASCAR history. His experience and proven talent make him a strong contender as NASCAR revisits Rockingham.
High Expectations from RCR and Hendrick
Richard Childress, chairman and CEO of RCR, expressed confidence in Kahne’s ability to deliver a strong performance.
“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.”
Rick Hendrick, chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group, also emphasized the significance of Kahne’s return.
“Kasey is a great friend and an incredibly talented driver, and we’re proud to have HendrickCars.com on board with him at Rockingham,” Hendrick said. “It’s going to be exciting to see him return to NASCAR at such a special track and with a great team. I have tremendous respect for Richard and everything his organization has accomplished.”
Preparing for a Memorable Race
Kahne is set to participate in a NASCAR test session at Rockingham Speedway on Tuesday, January 28, to prepare for the April 19 event. The race, which begins at 4:00 p.m. ET, will be broadcast live on The CW and covered on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
Fans can expect a thrilling weekend as Kahne joins RCR teammates Austin Hill and Jesse Love for the long-awaited return to Rockingham Speedway, a track steeped in NASCAR tradition. With Kahne’s history at “The Rock” and his proven skills, the No. 33 Chevrolet is poised for a competitive outing.
