Kahne LEAVING, to drive for Hendrick in 2011

[TeamBlueOval]

Kasey Kahne, the hottest potential free agent in NASCAR entering the season, has signed a multiyear agreement to join Hendrick Motorsports in 2011, multiple sources close to negotiations confirmed to ESPN.com Tuesday.

The details of the deal, such as which car Kahne will drive, are still being finalized, sources said.

The prevailing thought is Kahne will occupy the No. 5 car currently driven by Mark Martin, sources said. Martin signed a contract extension last year through the 2011 season.

In 2008 Dale Earnhardt Jr. signed a five-year deal with Hendrick. Jimmie Johnson last year signed an extension through 2015, and Jeff Gordon has a lifetime contract.

Kahne is in the final year of his contract with Richard Petty Motorsports, and plans to finish the season in the No. 9 Ford, sources said. It is unknown whether Kahne's sponsors RPM and Budweiser will accompany him to HMS.

Hendrick Motorsports officials had no comment.

Calls placed to Kahne, who turned 30 last weekend, and to his agent were not returned.
~ESPN

:roll:

[TeamBlueOval]

The announcement has been CONFIRMED by RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS and Kahne will NOT return to RPM in 2011.
FOXSports (article below) says that Kasey will drive for Stewart Haas Racing and is bringing Budweiser with him.


Kasey Kahne has found a new team for 2011.

The superstar driver is heading to Stewart-Haas Racing in 2011 along with current sponsor Budweiser, a source told FOXSports.com.

While not confirming his future destination, Richard Petty Motorsports released a statement saying Kahne informed them that he would not be returning after his contract expires at the end of the season.

“Drivers like Kasey Kahne are the very reason we got into this sport. Kasey has helped us get to where we are today,” Richard Petty Motorsports owner George Gillett said in the statement. “We wish him well in his future however we have the rest of this season to race together and we’re looking forward to a successful remainder of the year.”

The 30-year-old driver has 11 wins, 43 top fives and 79 top 10s in Sprint Cup competition since 2004. His best season to date was in 2006 when he won six races and finished eighth in the championship.

This has been a tough season for Kahne. In his first season driving a Ford, he has just two top-10 finishes in the first seven races and is mired in 26th in the standings.

"We all wish him nothing but the best and hope he succeeds in anything he chooses to do,” said Richard Petty in a statement.
~Fox Sports

[yatesracing]

No surprise

[yatesracing]

They better start training Colins in the Cot for next year. He would be my choice. What do you all think?

[yatesracing]

I hope they start giving the Kaseys equipment to Dinger;) Give Sadler's equipment to Kasey

[TeamBlueOval]

I hope they are able to secure an experienced driver to replace Kasey next year. Colin is not ready to move up to Cup and I think the results would be disastrous--I mean, look at his Nationwide season thus far, he isn't even in the top-30 in points!

There are really only 2 free agents this year--Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick. I don't see either of those guys being interested in running for RPM, but RPM should give them an offer! If not one of those guys, perhaps RPM can get Bobby Labonte in the car for a year or two until Colin and/or Ricky Stenhouse is ready to move up.

One thing is for certain, if RPM doesn't find a good sponsor to replace Budweiser, they are going to be in a heap of financial trouble.

As for the equipment, AJ should be getting the best stuff now for sure! Save the leftovers for Kahne...


EDIT: Have started to read in several places that Budweiser is NOT signed on to this deal and they may not go with Kasey. SO, RPM better find a really good driver (Hamlin or Harvick) and try to get Bud to stay on board with that new driver... it's a stretch, but it might be possible!

[yatesracing]

Andrew ,if FORD can come up with a great running engine they won't have a problem getting a giood driver. Hamlin will stay with Gibbs. why would he go anywhere else. Kevin is the big surprise. I thought for sure he would end up with Stewart. To me Newman is not doing that well w/ Sterwart. Just a feeling I have. Didn't Newman drive a FORD at one time?

[TeamBlueOval]

Newman is not doing that well? Did you miss the race Saturday night? HE WON THE RACE! ;) I think Ryan's job at Stewart Haas is very safe, especially since he is under contract thru 2011. (But, yes, he did drive a Ford for Penske before switching to Dodge.)

It's going to take more than an engine to fix Ford's problems. You have too much faith in this FR9 engine--sure, it is going to be good, but it won't make the car handle in the corner.

I don't know why Denny would leave, but you never know... if the money was right...

[yatesracing]

Newman is not doing that well? Did you miss the race Saturday night? HE WON THE RACE! ;) I think Ryan's job at Stewart Haas is very safe, especially since he is under contract thru 2011. (But, yes, he did drive a Ford for Penske before switching to Dodge.)

It's going to take more than an engine to fix Ford's problems. You have too much faith in this FR9 engine--sure, it is going to be good, but it won't make the car handle in the corner.

I don't know why Denny would leave, but you never know... if the money was right...<<<Newman is not doing that well? Did you miss the race Saturday night? HE WON THE RACE>>> So what????????????? He hasn't been doing that great so far. I think if FORD starts to shine , Newman is a FORD MAN and he would switch, but FORD will have to prove it has returned to a winning team.

[TeamBlueOval]

Newman can't leave--he's under contract through 2011. RPM doesn't have the money to bail him out of his contract and then pay him top dollar next year... won't happen. Go ahead and write him off as a possible candidate--there's no way.

[JiggaStyles09]

lol yatesracing, yeah, colin would be my choice too but i would want him to get this year AND next year to improve. trucks were a good starting place but i'm nervous of moving up the ranks toooo quick as i expect good things from him. but i also wonder if they are just going to move forward with 3 cars with menard, sadler & a. j.? i guess we'll just have to wait & see.

edit - andrew you beat me to it lol

[yatesracing]

I don't have any faith in the FR9. To much stalling. I do have faith that someone over at RPM is close and with the new engine they might get it right. FR9 alone isn't going to do it. They talk about the new cooling system ,that to can help in the corners. We will just have to wait and see. Just hoping they don't keep us waiting to long.

For a very long time I thought that Newman was a FORD Man and would return to FORD. (before he even went to Stewart) He hasn't raced well since he left FORD. Good Poles but other than that hasn't looked like he belonged. JMO

[yatesracing]

Newman can't leave--he's under contract through 2011. RPM doesn't have the money to bail him out of his contract and then pay him top dollar next year... won't happen. Go ahead and write him off as a possible candidate--there's no way.RPM may not have the funds BUT FORDdoes---If Newman doesn't make the chase look for some changes.

[TeamBlueOval]

Ryan has a whopping ONE win in a FORD. ;) 12 in a Dodge. 1 in a Chevy.

Jiggastyle--> You very well could be right that they continue with only 3 teams, but I think that would be bad news. That is not a stout driver lineup... if they don't replace Kahne, then they better replace Sadler!!

[yatesracing]

Ryan has a whopping ONE win in a FORD. ;) 12 in a Dodge. 1 in a Chevy.

Jiggastyle--> You very well could be right that they continue with only 3 teams, but I think that would be bad news. That is not a stout driver lineup... if they don't replace Kahne, then they better replace Sadler!!<<<Ryan has a whopping ONE win in a FORD. 12 in a Dodge. 1 in a Chevy>>>BIG DIFFERENCE IN THE TIME PERIOD. I remember an article a long time ago that led me to think he was a FORD MAN. I don't remember if he was in a FORD at that time or a Dodge. I do remember someone writing that comment ,

[TeamBlueOval]

2002 -- 1 win (FORD)
2003 -- 8 wins (Dodge)

[yatesracing]

2002 -- 1 win (FORD)
2003 -- 8 wins (Dodge)The Traitor was getting the best equipment at that time. Was that the first year that Newman was in Cup

[TeamBlueOval]

Yes, 2002 was his rookie year.

[yatesracing]

Yes, 2002 was his rookie year.To bad he didn't stick around, Maybe Rudd and Newman could of saved RYR and would have made better teammates.

Newman has a degree in Engineering an it might of made a difference.

[TeamBlueOval]

He never drove for RYR. He drove for Penske. I don't think anything could have saved RYR... it was just how things ended up working out...

[yatesracing]

I know that but instead of staying with Penski he would have gone to RYR and stayed w/ FORD.
Yates gave his best equipment to the Traitor He should have given it to Rudd and bring Newman back to Ford instead if Penski in a Dodge. Newman and Rudd would have been better teammates.

[mattemmy99]

Good for kahne...don't blame him...he wants to flipping win..only way is to go to chevy...mho...not a kasey kahne fan,but smart move on his part....

[TeamBlueOval]

Only way to go is Chevy

I couldn't disagree more. Ford is struggling right now, sure, but how easy you can forget a season like 2008 when Carl Edwards won 9 races in a FORD. Or 2005 when FORD had 5 cars in the Chase. This sport moves in cycles--look how bad RCR was just a few seasons ago compared to how they are now. And their struggles were much more severe than Roush. They weren't even able to put ANY cars in the Chase one season.

And, it's not Chevy as a whole that's so great--it's only HENDRICK Motorsports. (Stewart Haas = Hendrick Motorsports as far as I'm concerned.)

Ford is VERY capable of putting winning race cars on the track. Things will get better. I hate seeing them struggle week in and week out as much as anyone, but there are a lot of smart people at Roush Fenway and Richard Petty Motorsports who are working tirelessly on making these FORDS winning race cars again.

I am very confident that they will get things figured out and that we will see Ford in victory lane several times in 2010.

[yatesracing]

I couldn't disagree more. Ford is struggling right now, sure, but how easy you can forget a season like 2008 when Carl Edwards won 9 races in a FORD. Or 2005 when FORD had 5 cars in the Chase. This sport moves in cycles--look how bad RCR was just a few seasons ago compared to how they are now. And their struggles were much more severe than Roush. They weren't even able to put ANY cars in the Chase one season.

And, it's not Chevy as a whole that's so great--it's only HENDRICK Motorsports. (Stewart Haas = Hendrick Motorsports as far as I'm concerned.)

Ford is VERY capable of putting winning race cars on the track. Things will get better. I hate seeing them struggle week in and week out as much as anyone, but there are a lot of smart people at Roush Fenway and Richard Petty Motorsports who are working tirelessly on making these FORDS winning race cars again.

I am very confident that they will get things figured out and that we will see Ford in victory lane several times in 2010.Thanks Andrew I needed that BTW I just started a new thread about the 90 million deal read and let me know what you think.

[38RYR8890]

I hope they give him CRAP to drive!

[yatesracing]

I hope they give him CRAP to drive!I'm sure they will Keep him out of the chase

[yatesracing]

I feel he will be gone before the season is over. At least I hope so

[TeamBlueOval]

I hope they give him CRAP to drive!

Me too!! :-x

[racinfan]

How is DJ a traitor?

[roosterrage]

I can't blame Kasey one bit. RPM has ZERO stability at all. If I was Kasey, I'd be pretty tired of it too, JMO.

[RacingDude]

I can't blame Kasey. RPM fields crap cars most of the time, and the rare times that they don't, he can win. If he ends up going to Hendrick or SHR, he is probably going to win more often.

[yatesracing]

Never like him, won't miss him . wish he was getting out NOW

[TeamBlueOval]

How is DJ a traitor?

He raced with Robert Yates Racing for a number of years. Early that season, all he could talk about was how great his team was and how much he loved being at Yates and with Ford. He was all the way up in 11th in points.

Then, the money came calling, he bailed on RYR and quit trying. He signed with MWR because they wrote him a BIG check. He took UPS with him. And quickly fell from 11th to outside the top-20 in points.

I'd say that qualifies...


I can't blame Kasey. RPM fields crap cars most of the time

I am SO sick of reading stuff like this. Kasey Kahne himself has said on a number of occasions that RPM has good cars, but the engines were weak last year. This year, the engines are better, but they're struggling a little. Still yet, Kasey isn't leaving because the cars aren't good enough, he's leaving because the team is unstable at the top. BUT to say that they field "crap" most of the time is absurd and an insult to the guys who work hard and do a pretty darn good job at the RPM shops.

All of the negativity I've been reading about this team over this has me ready to pull my hair out!!

[JiggaStyles09]

i always had wondered what the deal with dj was, i started being a nascar fan in 07 because my friend was working for WBR at the time. i think at that time dj had already gone to toyota with MWR but i didn't really know the details.

[yatesracing]

i always had wondered what the deal with dj was, i started being a nascar fan in 07 because my friend was working for WBR at the time. i think at that time dj had already gone to toyota with MWR but i didn't really know the details.YEP WHEN FORD/YATES gave him the best equipment and GOD knows how many CC to satisfy this guys ego, he chose to leave when the chips were down. DJ would not have gain the status or the money he achieved if it wasn't for 12 yrs by FORD/YATES. Problem was Robert Yates put his faith in the WRONG DRIVER. Robert should have place it with RICKY RUDD and would have won more than one cup championship. I was also blinded by this TRAITOR" (jmo and many more) To top it off DJ and Motormouth con UPS to follow and you know THEY BOTH GOT SHAFTER-BIG TIME.

MOST FANS THOUGHT DJ LEFT FOR THE MONEY, HELL HE MADE ENOUGH WITH FORD/YATES, Where do you think he got all his money. Racing for 12 years w/YATES and all those FORD DEALERSHIP. How did he thank them and please don't said "He did win a Cup Championship" but than that would never have happened if it wasn'r for FORD/YATES.

He switdh to Motormounths team because he thought he could win another CHAMPIONSHIP. I'm still laughing over that one.

[yatesracing]

<<<ESPN reports Kasey Kahne to Hendrick Motorsports in 2011... leaving Ford AGAIN! 20 >>> doesn't this give Hendricks 5 teams. I don't know of any FORD DRiver having to report to ROUSH other than his own drivers.

[TeamBlueOval]

No, Hendrick is not allowed to have a fifth team.

Kasey will likely drive for Stewart Haas Racing in 2011 before moving into the 5 car to replace Mark Martin in 2012.

Stewart Haas is a satellite Hendrick team just like RPM is a satellite Roush team.

[eehwkram]

I can't blame Kasey. RPM fields crap cars most of the time, and the rare times that they don't, he can win. If he ends up going to Hendrick or SHR, he is probably going to win more often.

I actually liked him since his days as a developmental driver for Yates (before jumping ship), but I've grown tired of some of his statements recently. Such as how Ray Evernham used to confer with him - basically coming across as though he wants a say in how things are done. He won't get that at Hendrick (look at Rick all but forcing Jr to keep McGrew this year).

Good luck to him, he has talent but we'll get along just fine without him.

I wouldn't mind seeing Harvick come over, but with the way RCR is running this year, why would he leave there?

[roosterrage]

I say put Reed in the 9 next year. He shouldn't have been the one forced to leave RPM last year anyways. But I dunno, RPM pretty much screwed Reed last year so I don't know if he'd want to return.

[RacingDude]

OK, maybe I was out of line in saying that they field crap, but you can't possibly say that they're a top team either. Anyways, you probably won't have to worry about Kasey winning any races this season because RPM will probably give the good stuff to Allmendinger now that Kasey has announced his departure.

[yatesracing]

OK, maybe I was out of line in saying that they field crap, but you can't possibly say that they're a top team either. Anyways, you probably won't have to worry about Kasey winning any races this season because RPM will probably give the good stuff to Allmendinger now that Kasey has announced his departure.<<< RPM will probably give the good stuff to Allmendinger now that Kasey has announced his departure.>>>I sure hope so ,at least I'm sure most FORD FANS will hope so.

[yatesracing]

BTW he can't depart soon enough for me.

I would like to see Sephen Leight in a FORD again.

[TeamBlueOval]

@yatesracing... did you get your posting problems figured out?



I say put Reed in the 9 next year. He shouldn't have been the one forced to leave RPM last year anyways. But I dunno, RPM pretty much screwed Reed last year so I don't know if he'd want to return.

I wouldn't be opposed to giving Reed another shot, as long as he can bring some sponsorship money to the table, because that's going to be the big decider in who gets to drive that car next year, if anyone...

[yatesracing]

@yatesracing... <<<did you get your posting problems figured out?>>>




I wouldn't be opposed to giving Reed another shot, as long as he can bring some sponsorship money to the table, because that's going to be the big decider in who gets to drive that car next year, if anyone...somebody must of fix it. I could not comment without signing in over and over, even after they welcome me. If I tried to edit I would not be able to send unless I log in again. I am going to try and edit this message and see if I have the problem again.
It's working so far

[TeamBlueOval]

That's good... there could have been a system error there for a little while. I had that same problem right after the site opened, but haven't seen it since.

Glad it's working again! :)


What other Nationwide drivers could be possible candidates for the 9 ride?

[yatesracing]

Stenhouse, Bires, and of course Colins. I would like to see Leight given the chance after FORD/YATES dropped him and I really feel that was the beginning of his downfall. Still think he would do a good job in fairly good equipment.

[TeamBlueOval]

I'm thinking of drivers who might be ready for next year--I think Stenhouse, Braun, and Bires would all be bad choices for 2011. They're just not ready for Cup yet.

Sorenson is really the only clear choice I can think of ...

[yatesracing]

Difficult for me to choose I guess Sorenson would be a good choice

[TeamBlueOval]

From the information I've read/heard today from the Hendrick press conference, it sounds like Budweiser is NOT going with Kasey. RPM needs to do everything they can to hang on to the Bud sponsorship, I'm still hoping they will go after a fairly big name Cup driver...

[mattemmy99]

I am kinda of shocked this was released SO early into the season....wonder if mabye HE might be in a car for TOny sooner?? I don't know,just odd they would announce this so early~

[TeamBlueOval]

They announced it because it got out... according to Hendrick, the deal isn't even finalized just yet, but because it was leaked, they decided to go ahead and make the official announcement.

[RacingDude]

I would say Erik Darnell, but he currently is rideless in the NW Series, so I wouldn't imagine him being a candidate. They might just move AJ Allmendinger in that ride if they can't hire anyone.

[mattemmy99]

Sure will make the rest of the season a tad difficult for the TEAM...Guess Rick wasn't too quiet on this ONE was he???? heheheee

[yatesracing]

<<<basically coming across as though he wants a say in how things are done. He won't get that at Hendrick (look at Rick all but forcing Jr to keep McGrew this year).>>>Do you really think that RPM wasn't aware what he was doing with Hendricks?????? They were smart in keeping Kahne out of the loop. If he was working for me and I found out he was planning things behind my back , I would have kick him out on his backside so fast he would have thought I was sending him over to Hendricks in a JET.

[yatesracing]

Difficult for me to choose I guess Sorenson would be a good choice Gee I forgot about Reed. Lets give him another chance

[TeamBlueOval]

They might just move AJ Allmendinger in that ride if they can't hire anyone.

Well, the 43 is not going anywhere. There WILL be someone in the 43 car next year, and I think if Richard Petty has his choice, that driver will be AJ Allmendinger. The King has had a lot of good things to say about AJ and personally chose him to take over the 43 this year. As long as they can keep Best Buy on board, I think AJ will stay where he is.

If Budweiser wants AJ, though, he would have to move to the 9 car, though, because there are no alcohol sponsors on the 43 car.

[Dog]

Some comments.....

I agree. Something I heard made me wonder if Ryan doesn't prefer Fords. So Yatesracing...... you've got a Newman fan on your side. No solid proof, but I heard something also.

Ryan loves it with Tony. He's performing well--about as well as last year. He doesn't seem to be a big manufactuer guy, but I would guess him to prefer Ford. Kinda like me.

Kasey get crap? seriously? That idea is full of crap. I don't see why RPM wants to make their worst driver look bad. It sure won't help to convince Budweiser to stay.

RPM is a good team with good equipment and A LOT of instability. Something always seems to up there. I don't think that would attract anyone.......

[TeamBlueOval]

Foster Gillett on if RPM can keep Bud: "We will put maximum effort into keeping Anheuser-Busch." Said he'd run through a wall to keep them.


Foster Gillett on RPM's probs: "We look at this as opportunity. We've been through worse ...We're still here. We're still sponsored"


Foster Gillett, on family's financial problems: "This is a process we're trying to go through...I think there's good news ahead."


Foster Gillett, who runs troubled RPM: "I have to take full responsibility for the way this has gone." Says family is committed to NASCAR.


Foster Gillett: "I believe in the ability of our race team...we've had generally good race cars. We've had a lot of bad luck here and there"

~Twitter--Jeff Gluck

[yatesracing]

This will never , but never happen, still I would love to see Kurt Busch BACK IN A FORD. Roush would love that

[TeamBlueOval]

I don't think Ford wants anything to do with either of the Busch brothers anymore.

[yatesracing]

I don't think Ford wants anything to do with either of the Busch brothers anymore.LOL I'm sure you realized I was joking;)

[TeamBlueOval]

Here's a good article with some quotes from Foster Gillett about the future of RPM after Kahne... CLICK HERE (http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Richard_Petty_Motorsports_will_persevere_following _loss_of_driver_Kasey_Kahne_GM_Foster_Gillett_says .html)

[yatesracing]

Here's a good article with some quotes from Foster Gillett about the future of RPM after Kahne... CLICK HERE (http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Richard_Petty_Motorsports_will_persevere_following _loss_of_driver_Kasey_Kahne_GM_Foster_Gillett_says .html)Was it just me or did you read a little sarcasim from Gillbert when he was speaking about Hendricks. (learning on how Hendrick operates LOL

[TeamBlueOval]

Gillbert? :lol: You mean Gillett? lol

No, I didn't take it as sarcastic. I think other owners could learn from Hendrick; I don't like him, but he's clearly doing something right.

[yatesracing]

gillbert? :lol: You mean gillett? Lol

no, i didn't take it as sarcastic. I think other owners could learn from hendrick; i don't like him, but he's clearly doing something right.rotflmbo

[racinfan]

Kasey made the best decision IMO..most Cup drivers would have accepted that, who wouldn't want to hop on the gravy train? I feel bad for RPM, since that will leave them with one decent driver though...maybe they'll get Sorenson? :D

[RacingDude]

I wouldn't mind seeing Reed get the ride, but he probably wouldn't be a candidate since RPM let him go last season. Then again, McMurray came back to EGR, so you never know.

[Dog]

Does he want to potentially drive w/o pay again. Something like that I'm sure would weigh into Reed's decision

[TeamBlueOval]

Reed didn't have to drive without pay, that was his choice. They didn't have enough sponsorship and wanted to close his team, but he choose the no-pay option. I don't think they would hire him again unless he was fully sponsored.