Kasey Kahne Returns to NASCAR at Rockingham Speedway

FORT WORTH, Tex. — Kasey Kahne made a memorable return to NASCAR on April 19, during the Xfinity Series race at Rockingham Speedway. This marked NASCAR’s return to the 0.94-mile track after a 20-year hiatus, and fans welcomed both the venue’s revival and Kahne’s comeback.

Excitement filled the air as Kahne, previously absent from NASCAR for seven years, piloted a Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing. The atmosphere turned electric as fans with garage passes scrambled to catch a glimpse of the beloved driver.

“I was having a good time before it all went downhill,” Kahne reflected after the race. “It was cool to be here.”

Kahne’s journey back to NASCAR involved rigorous preparation. After stepping away from stock car racing in 2018, he channeled his energy into dirt racing, a sport he has always loved. However, competing at Rockingham signified unfinished business for Kahne.

“I tried to put everything in it that I could,” he said about his preparation. “When you don’t do it a lot, you need to think about those things to make sure they can be as clear as possible when they do pop up in a race.”

At age 45, he remained vigilant about his health. Having previously dealt with dehydration issues, Kahne maintained strict hydration and diet routines leading up to the race. Additionally, he honed his skills in sprint car competitions while regularly utilizing a simulator.

Qualifying fourth, Kahne initially ran in the top five before disaster struck at lap 51. A wreck involving William Sawalich and Katherine Legge left Kahne’s car damaged and unable to compete at full strength for the remaining laps. Despite the setback, he finished in 14th place.

“It was tough,” Kahne explained. “I wanted to finish, get all the laps in. We got back on the lead lap and just kind of ran there.”

His performance caught the eyes of Richard Childress Racing personnel. Team officials expressed admiration for Kahne’s focus and consistency, noting improvements compared to his earlier Cup Series days.

Kahne, who founded Kasey Kahne Racing to support young sprint car talent, expressed excitement for the expansion of grassroots racing through his series, High Limit Racing.

His deep connection to Rockingham, where he made his NASCAR debut in 2001, has shaped both his career and personal aspirations. “When I started making money in NASCAR, I started the sprint car teams and I’ve just kept them going,” Kahne shared as he looked ahead to his future in racing.

As the High Limit Racing franchise model expands, Kahne’s leadership within the sport continues to bridge the past and future of racing.