Kasey Kahne to leave Richard Petty Motorsports

Bob Baldwin jr · Joined: 21 Sep 2006 Posts: 3579

Looks like Kasey will be leaving RPM end of year and appears to be headed to Hendrick Motor sports as possible replacement for Mark Martin .OR could end up a Stewart -Hass as 3rd team car .I guess it would depend on if Budweiser follows him or not
_________________
Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways totally worn out, shouting, "Holy **** what a ride!!!".

Dan Haynes · Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2010 7:28 pm Post subject:

the announcement said that he will replace Mark Martin in the 5 car in 2012, but it is not known what he will do for 2011. My thoughts are that he will drive a 3rd car for Stewart-Haas in 2011, then leave for Hendrick in 2012. The reason I think this will happen is that Stewart-Haas has a partnership with Hendrick. I think Tony is ready to start a 3rd team. What better way to do it than to put a veteran in for a year to get the team structured and settled in. Get them locked into the top 35 for the 2012 season and then turn the ride over to the new guy, whoever that may be.
_________________
Blaise Haynes
#3 Arrow X1-CIK
TaG
Cook Racing Engines Parilla Leopard

Dave Stevens · Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2010 7:53 pm Post subject:

The problem with using the 3rd Stewart Haas team as a builder with Kahne is that if the crew chief and car chief don't at least follow him back to Hendrick after the first year much of what they worked on will have to be started over with new guys at the top of the pole. Stewart Haas is essentially a Hendrick team anyway. According to Ray Evernham they have the same equipement and tools and share engineering resources. Evernham speculates that Hendrick will send an entire team over for the first year then bring them back when a seat at Hendrick opens up.
_________________
It's a cross between a chick car and a shifter kart
http://racing.roaddog.com/

Dan Haynes · Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 7:44 am Post subject:

That would be a viable option but then what does he do with the guys that are currently working with the 5 team? I don't see Hendrick letting go of Alan Gustafson, even for Tony Stewart.

My opinion is more based on Kahne "needing" a ride for 1 year. This would be done to benefit Stewart-Haas more than to benefit Hendrick. Kahne is already an accomplished driver but that 1 year could give him time to adapt to the Hendrick cars and equipment. This would give him that little bit of a head start for 2012 and help get Tony's new 3rd team rolling.

This is all just a guess on my part. I would think that would be the smart way to handle it.
_________________
Blaise Haynes
#3 Arrow X1-CIK
TaG
Cook Racing Engines Parilla Leopard

Dave Stevens · Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 11:46 pm Post subject:

There were interviews with Marshall Carlson, GM of Hendrick Motorsports, Kasey and Smoke at different times today on Sirius NASCAR. They all basically said that nothing was decided yet except that in 2012 he'll be in the 5 and for 2011 he'll be in a Chevrolet in Cup. Smoke said he would do whatever Hendrick asked but they haven't asked him to do anything yet. Kasey said Hendrick didn't yet have the details but promised him a ride in Cup until the 5 opens up. Apparently it was Mark Martin that suggested Kasey for the seat. Kelly Earnhardt reportedly stated they have no intention to start a Cup team at this point.

At this point I think smart money is on Kasey in a Hendrick funded (either by sponsor or pocket) Stewart car, Marshall said job one is getting him a sponsor. Budweiser issued a statement that Moody read that seemed to leave open the possibility of coming with him.
_________________
It's a cross between a chick car and a shifter kart
http://racing.roaddog.com/

Ren Benjaman · Joined: 09 Dec 2004 Posts: 285

I think Danica has to play into these scenarios, And JR motorsports too. No wonder Mr. Hendricks mentioned a vast possibilty of outcomes.

That is a lot of stirring @ Hendricks/Stewart-Hass/Jr Motor Sports/Kayne/Danica.

Now is the Danica thing to help crush the IRL or Hype NASCAR ????
_________________
TBD

Dave Stevens · Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 6:58 pm Post subject:

Danica has nothing to do with this. It will be a few years before she gets to Cup. IF she gets to Cup. Jr, Kelly, and Hendrick (notice, no "s") say no Jr. Motorsports Cup team for the foreseeable future, if ever.
_________________
It's a cross between a chick car and a shifter kart
http://racing.roaddog.com/