Kasey Kahne is coming back to NASCAR with a return to the track that holds a special place in his heart — Rockingham Speedway.
Richard Childress Racing has announced that Kahne will drive the No. 33 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Rockingham on April 19.
This marks NASCAR’s comeback to the iconic Rockingham Speedway, a venue that has been off the schedule for over a decade.
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Beginning his career at just 17, Kahne cut his racing teeth in the world of dirt sprint cars before moving into the more fast-paced world of the NASCAR circuit.
His successful debut in the NASCAR Busch Series (now known as the Xfinity Series) in 2002 set the pace for a career that would quickly evolve into a robust Cup Series career spanning 15 years, filled with 18 wins, 93 top-five finishes, and 176 top-ten finishes.
Known for commanding victories in prestigious races such as the Coca-Cola 600, which he clinched three times, and a Brickyard 400 win, Kahne has left a legacy few can match. He is also a celebrated part of NASCAR’s list of the 75 Greatest Drivers.
Kahne has shared his excitement about re-entering the world of NASCAR at such a beloved and historic racetrack, stating in a press release from the team:
“I’m excited to get back behind the wheel of a stock car, especially at a place like Rockingham Speedway.
“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.”
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Richard Childress also weighed in on Kahne’s return, commenting:
“Kasey is a great driver and a fierce competitor.
“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.”
As preparations are underway, with Kahne soon participating in a test session at Rockingham on January 28, anticipation builds.
Rick Hendrick also explained:
“Kasey is a great friend and an incredibly talented driver, and we’re proud to have HendrickCars.com on board with him at Rockingham. 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. We look forward to seeing Kasey return to NASCAR in what promises to be a memorable weekend for the sport.”
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2025 Xfinity Series Schedule
Regular Season
- Feb. 15: Daytona – 5 p.m., CW
- Feb. 22: Atlanta – 5 p.m., CW
- Mar. 1: Austin – 2:30 p.m., CW
- Mar. 8: Phoenix – 5 p.m., CW
- Mar. 15: Las Vegas – 4:30 p.m., CW
- Mar. 22: Homestead – 4 p.m., CW
- Mar. 29: Martinsville – 5 p.m., CW
- Apr. 5: Darlington – 3:30 p.m., CW
- Apr. 12: Bristol – 5 p.m., CW
- Apr. 19: Rockingham – 4 p.m., CW
- Apr. 26: Talladega – 4 p.m., CW
- May 3: Texas – 2 p.m., CW
- May 24: Charlotte – 4:30 p.m., CW
- May 31: Nashville – 7:30 p.m., CW
- June 14: Mexico City – 4:30 p.m., CW
- June 21: Pocono – 3:30 p.m., CW
- June 27: Atlanta – 7:30 p.m., CW
- July 5: Chicago street course – 4:30 p.m., CW
- July 12: Sonoma – 4:30 p.m., CW
- July 19: Dover – 4:30 p.m., CW
- July 26: Indianapolis – 4:30 p.m., CW
- Aug. 2: Iowa – 4:30 p.m., CW
- Aug. 9: Watkins Glen – 3 p.m., CW
- Aug. 22: Daytona – 7:30 p.m., CW
- Aug. 30: Portland – 7:30 p.m., CW
- Sept. 6: St. Louis – 7:30 p.m., CW
Playoffs
- Sept. 12: Bristol – 7:30 p.m., CW
- Sept. 27: Kansas – 4 p.m., CW
- Oct. 4: Charlotte road course – 4 p.m., CW
- Oct. 11: Las Vegas – 7:30 p.m., CW
- Oct. 18: Talladega – 4 p.m., CW
- Oct. 25: Martinsville – 7:30 p.m., CW
- Nov. 1: Phoenix – 7:30 p.m., CW
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