Driver Spotlight: Kasey Kahne (Preseason Addition)

Kasey Kahne's 2014 Preview

By Richard Tix

Career average finish of 17.3. Four Chase appearances in 10 seasons. Average of 13.5 top 10's and 8 top 5's in 10 seasons. 16 total career wins.

I have forever been a bit surprised by Kasey Kahne's career numbers. Every year I feel like Kahne should be set to break out and have a huge year that springs him into the elite category, but it never seems to happen for one reason or another.

2014 will mark Kasey's third season at Hendrick Motorsports and in my mind the season he needs to show he is worth his spot at Hendrick. Regardless of how he runs on the track Kasey has been a great guy to have in marketing (same with Jr). Also, season after season it seems like we talk about how fast he is, but at the end of the year it never seems to show in the standings.

In 2012, Kahne's first season with Hendrick, he finished the season a career best 4th in the standings and it looked like all he needed was a good ride to compete. Then came 2013, where he was fast week after week but in the end he would run into bad luck or a mechanical failure. So, will year three end up being like his first season at Hendrick or his second? The results seem to be night and day so it is a huge question.

As always, I tend to lean on the side of Kasey Kahne breaking out and having an amazing season, but then again I always seem to walk away disappointed.

So let your voice be heard! Contact me on Twitter and let me know what you think.  Will Kasey Kahne break out this year? Will his season be more 2012 or 2013? How many wins will he have in 2014? Should he be in a Hendrick car? As always, let the count down to Daytona continue!


Previous Driver Spotlights:

• Ryan Newman
• Clint Bowyer
• Tony Stewart
• Matt Kenseth
• All Previous Driver Spotlights