Kasey Kahne Looks To Propel Leavine Family Racing Forward In The Cup Series

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Kasey Kahne is set to take on the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season with a new team and car number, as well as a new responsibility in propelling Leavine Family Racing to an increased level of performance.

The change comes following being released from the No. 5 car ride at Hendrick Motorsports. He will now pilot the No. 95 machine of Leavine Family Racing. He leaves behind a team of several hundred employees, for a much smaller organization.

“I don’t think it’s a lot to get used to, but it’s definitely a different way,” Kahne said during the NASCAR Media Tour in Charlotte on Wednesday. “Our work is going to be different; like the way we look at things and the way we prepare. My whole mindset is the relationships and doing it together, and the chemistry of the group that we have. It’s a small group compared to what I’ve had the last six year and it’s a group of people who all want to go in the same direction. And I feel like if we do that, and work together, no matter what it is, to make the No. 95 the best car that it can be, we’re going to have success. And the guys all feel the same way.”

Kahne added, “That’s our plan. They’re working really hard to get the new Camaro ZL1s ready and we’re going to have our first one ready for this test coming up in Vegas next week and we’ll get going from there.”

After racing with the powerhouse team of Hendrick Motorsports for six seasons, the new driver of the No. 95 car will have to adjust his standards of achievements, but is hoping to help the team reach a new level of success in the process.

“To me, kind of what I was saying about the people and building those relationships and working in the right direction,” Kahne said in regards to what success would be with his new team. “If we can do that and keep that morale and that communication all season long, our success is going to be that we’re going to have opportunities to win races and we’re going to have an opportunity to make the Chase. We’re going to run in the top 10 more often than what I have in the last few years. And I think if we can do all those things, it’s going to be a very successful season.”

Kahne will be paired with Travis Mack, who formerly served as Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s car chief at Hendrick Motorsports.

“It’s been good,” said Kahne on working with his new crew chief. “I’ve always known the name Travis Mack, but I never knew the guy really, until something like three months ago. Now we know each other much better. He has a great family and he works hard. He’s really into racing and Cup cars and being a crew chief. He’s learned a lot over the years, so he brings a lot to the table from his knowledge. And also, just having a young guy who is super excited and enthusiastic and things like that will be really good for our whole team throughout the whole season.”

Kahne feels he can bring a new element to Leavine Family Racing and lift the entire organization.

Kahne said, “From the highs and lows, I’ve lived both of them a lot over the years. The cars and understanding what, as a driver, you need, and understanding the things that can hurt you and can help you from people to the way a car is driving. I’ve learned a lot of that stuff over the years and put it away and I think as long as we can all be open with each other and work in their directions, my directions, and combine it all, it’s going to be really successful.”

Photo Credit: Camille Jones/TheFourthTurn.com