Rick Hendrick had high praise for Kasey Kahne as the latter exited Hendrick Motorsports at the end of the 2017 Cup Series season. The HMS owner commended Kahne’s work ethic in a report published by Hendrick Motorsports in 2017.
Kahne became part of Hendrick Motorsports in 2012 after his previous team, Red Bull Racing, ceased operations at the end of 2011. Kahne took over the #5 car at HMS, replacing Mark Martin, who had moved to Michael Waltrip Racing that year.
In his first year at HMS (2012), the Enumclaw-born driver secured two wins, 12 Top 5s, 19 Top 10s, and four pole positions. He finished the season in an impressive fourth place.
Subsequently, he went on to win two more races in 2013, one in 2014, and another in 2018. Ultimately, Kahne decided to leave Rick Hendrick’s team at the end of 2018 after six years and six wins under his belt. Here’s what Hendrick had to say at the time:
“Kasey has worked extremely hard,” Mr. Hendrick said. “He’s a tremendous teammate and person, and he has been totally dedicated to our program since day one. I’ve always believed that he’s a special talent, and I know he will thrive in the right situation. We will do everything we can to finish the season as
