Kasey Kahne 2015 Season Preview
By Richard Tix
2014 marked Kasey Kahnes 3rd season with Hendrick Motorsports. Since I use a three year window to look at new NASCAR Cup level drivers, I will use it for Kasey's stint with HMS. To be honest, Kahne may not want to see what his three year stint looks like on paper.
Every season since Kahne got to HMS his stats have become increasingly less positive. His first full season in the #5 he had 2 wins, 12 top 5's, 19 top 10's, and 4 poles. He finished 4th in the standings that season (2012) and it looked like maybe all he was missing was the team (HMS). It was arguably his best season (you could debate 2006) but since then the news doesn't get any better.
Thats because each year since 2012 his statistics have got a bit worse. From season to season the jump hasn't been dramatic, but if you look at 2012 and 2014 side by side it's shocking. His top 5 production in 2014 was one of the worst in his NASCAR career.
All of that being said, Kahne did put on a late season rally that ended up with him winning at Atlanta just two races before the Chase (only Richmond was left). The win locked him into the Chase and gave him new life on the season. But, just like the regular season he left fans disappointed in the output. He only notched one top 10 all Chase, in fact he only had four top 15's.
Bold Predictions/2015 Season Expectations:
All of that being said, Kahne did put on a late season rally that ended up with him winning at Atlanta just two races before the Chase (only Richmond was left). The win locked him into the Chase and gave him new life on the season. But, just like the regular season he left fans disappointed in the output. He only notched one top 10 all Chase, in fact he only had four top 15's.
Bold Predictions/2015 Season Expectations:
- Hendrick Motorsports and Kasey Kahne signed a three year extension on his deal entering 2015. This season was supposed to be the last season during his current contract but Rick must still see something in Kahne to extend his deal. Kahne may not have shown it in 2014, but he is still a capable driver that is in his prime years. He will only be 35 years old this season and he already has 17 career wins, 83 top 5's, and 146 top 10's. He has proven he can win and proven he can win at Hendrick. I think Kahne bounces back a bit this season, but still nothing like 2012 when he joined Henrick. I think 1-2 wins, 8-10 top 5's, 13-16 top 10's should be expected and are attainable. His main goal is to get back to the Chase and improve upon this years results.
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