In 2025, Kasey Kahne is making a notable comeback to the world of NASCAR. This weekend, he will participate in a race at Rockingham Speedway in North Carolina, marking his first appearance since retiring from full-time Cup Series racing in 2018. Driving for Richard Childress Racing, Kahne will be piloting the No. 33 car alongside teammates Austin Hill and Jesse Love. Known for his exceptional skills on the track, Kahne has expressed excitement about returning to stock car racing, especially at a venue like Rockingham Speedway, which holds special significance in his career.
Rockingham Speedway is set to host the NASCAR Xfinity Series event known as the North Carolina Education Lottery 250 on April 19 at 3 p.m. CT. This return to Rockingham brings back memories of the last NASCAR race held there in 2013, won by Kyle Larson. The broadcast of this exciting race will air nationally on the CW Network, with streaming options available through platforms like FUBO, offering a free trial for new subscribers.
Kasey Kahne's journey in NASCAR began in 2004 with Evernham Motorsports, where he raced under the No. 9 car until 2009. Following a season with Richard Petty Motorsports in 2010, Kahne moved to Red Bull Racing in 2011 before joining Hendrick Motorsports from 2012 to 2017. His final season was with Leavine Family Racing in 2018. Throughout his illustrious career, Kahne achieved numerous victories, including three Coca-Cola 600 wins and his last win at the Brickyard 400 in 2017.
Beyond NASCAR, Kahne owns a sprint car racing team named Kasey Kahne Racing. He continues to compete in the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series, driving the No. 9 car and owning the No. 49 car driven by Brad Sweet. Born in Enumclaw, Washington, Kahne celebrated his 45th birthday in April 2025, having spent over a decade dominating the NASCAR Cup Series.
The anticipation surrounding Kahne's return is heightened by his memorable battle with Matt Kenseth in the final NASCAR Cup Series race at Rockingham in 2004. Kenseth narrowly edged out Kahne by a mere one-hundredth of a second, showcasing the intense competition that fans have come to expect from these skilled drivers.
This weekend’s race signifies more than just a return to the track for Kasey Kahne; it represents a rekindling of passion and a testament to his enduring legacy in the motorsport world. Fans eagerly await his performance, hoping to witness another chapter of excellence unfold at Rockingham Speedway. With his vast experience and competitive spirit, Kahne promises to deliver an unforgettable spectacle as he takes on this new challenge in his storied career.