Kasey Kahne has won in everything he’s ever raced. Now, after more than a decade at NASCAR’s highest level, his talent, looks and down-to-earth personality make him popular with fans and world-renowned brands alike. Entering the 2017 season, Kahne has earned 17 career NASCAR Cup Series wins and five playoff berths.
Kahne hit NASCAR stardom in 2004 after being recruited to join Evernham Motorsports, the team founded by three-time Cup champion crew chief Ray Evernham. The car owner’s scouting investment immediately paid off, as Kahne took home top-three finishes in his first four races and claimed 2004 NASCAR Cup Rookie of the Year honors. Today, he remains one of NASCAR’s biggest names and ranks in the top 10 for merchandise sales and in the most popular driver fan vote.
The 2017 season marks Kahne’s sixth driving Hendrick Motorsports’ flagship No. 5 Chevrolet SS. It will be his third led by Keith Rodden, Kahne’s longtime engineer who rejoined the team as crew chief for the 2015 season. The duo will look to add to the driver’s impressive career totals of more than 85 top-five finishes, 165 top-10s and 25 pole positions. The No. 5 team is sponsored by blue-chip brands including Farmers Insurance, Great Clips, Mountain Dew, UniFirst and LiftMaster.
One of Kahne’s passions is the Kasey Kahne Foundation, which he formed in 2005 to focus on giving back to children. In 2006, he was selected by President George W. Bush to serve on the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. Through his foundation work, the Enumclaw, Washington, native partnered with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson on “The Drive” golf tournament in Cle Elum, Washington, to raise funds for The Strong Against Cancer initiative on behalf of the Seattle Children’s Hospital. In 2016, Kahne and Wilson donated $400,000 to the hospital. Kahne has also supported the Ronald McDonald House, Make-A-Wish, Victory Junction, YMCA and other charitable organizations. One of the foundation’s more popular events is the annual “Five Kahne” 5K footrace in Charlotte, North Carolina. In 2013, Kahne was featured on ESPN’s Emmy Award-winning “My Wish” series after granting a wish to 12-year-old Rylee Durham who has Noonan syndrome.
An advocate of healthy lifestyles, Kahne’s rigorous fitness regimen has been chronicled by national outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Runner’s World, Men’s Journal and ESPN The Magazine’s “Body Issue.” In addition, Kahne has appeared on national television shows such as “Blaze and the Monster Machines,” “LIVE! With Regis and Kelly,” CMT’s “Cribs,” “E! News,” “Family Guy,” “Nick Sports,” “The Cleveland Show,” “Larry King Live,” and “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.” Among others, he has been featured in Sports Illustrated, People, Road and Track, and Parade magazines. The past three years, through Hendrick Motorsports partner Great Clips’ relationship with Discovery Channel, Kahne has participated in the popular “Shark Week” programming.
Kahne fuses his racing interests with his entrepreneurial spirit via his own company, Kasey Kahne Racing. The Mooresville, North Carolina, team was formed in 2005 and employs more than 15 people dedicated to fielding sprint car entries in the World of Outlaws series for drivers Daryn Pittman and Brad Sweet. In 2013, KKR’s No. 9 team driven by Pittman won the WOO title, making Kahne a first-time champion team owner.
When time permits, Kahne is often on social media. He is one of NASCAR’s top drivers for engagement according to MVPindex, which ranks, measures and values the social media engagement of thousands of athletes across various social media platforms.
In his personal life, Kahne became a father to son Tanner in October 2015. To relax, the driver enjoys working outdoors and maintaining the property around his home near Charlotte.
