BREAKING: Kasey Kahne returns to NASCAR at ROCKINGHAM after…
BREAKING: Kasey Kahne Returns to NASCAR at ROCKINGHAM After 6-Year Hiatus
In a stunning and emotional comeback, former NASCAR fan-favorite Kasey Kahne is officially returning to the track for a one-off appearance at Rockingham Speedway, marking his first NASCAR-sanctioned race since 2018.
The 44-year-old Washington native will pilot the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, the very number and team with which he scored some of the most iconic wins of his career.
“It just felt right,” Kahne said in a surprise press conference on Saturday morning. “Rockingham is a track full of grit, history, and heart—and I’ve still got a little left in me.”
Why Rockingham?
Kahne’s return coincides with the long-awaited return of Rockingham Speedway to the Cup Series calendar after a 20-year absence. NASCAR has been pushing to bring back classic venues, and Kahne, who last raced there in his early days, said it felt like “coming full circle.”
The Car & Team
Kahne will drive a Hendrick-prepared throwback livery, reminiscent of his early 2010s look. While it’s a one-race deal, insiders say Hendrick’s move is more than symbolic—it’s a nod to a driver who helped shape the team’s modern era.
Team owner Rick Hendrick said, “Kasey’s always been family. We’re proud to bring him back for this special moment—not just for fans, but for the sport.”
How Did This Happen?
The deal reportedly came together quickly, with Kahne contacting Hendrick after Rockingham was confirmed on the 2025 schedule. After passing a medical review and completing test laps at Charlotte, NASCAR gave him the green light.
Kahne had previously stepped away from full-time racing due to health concerns, including heat exhaustion symptoms. But sources confirm that he’s been training rigorously and is “in the best shape of his life.”
Fan Reaction
Fans erupted with joy online, with hashtags like #KahneIsBack and #ReturnToTheRock trending within hours. Longtime supporters are already flooding ticket websites, eager to witness what could be a legendary comeback.
Whether it’s one race or the beginning of something more, Kasey Kahne’s return adds emotion, nostalgia, and energy to NASCAR’s 2025 season.
