When Kyle Larson and his brother-in-law Brad Sweet launched the High Limit Racing series, they had a big ambition. Tackling the prestigious World of Outlaws as a rival dirt racing series was no mean feat. For that, they roped in a NASCAR legend – Kasey Kahne. The 18-time Cup Series race winner hung up his firesuit in 2018, but just in NASCAR. His dirt racing pursuits bloomed after that and presently got a boost for 2025.

Despite hints to the contrary, Kasey Kahne is gearing up to face a grueling 61-race schedule next year. This news came even after his close aide and crew chief sought to reduce his role. The unexpected move has a racing insider baffled, as he attempts to dissect Kahne’s motive.

Kasey Kahne’s plan change raises eyebrows

Well, the veteran driver proved his unbridled passion for racing several times. During his NASCAR career, Kasey Kahne won the Coca-Cola 600, a crown jewel event, three times (2006, 2008, 2012). He has also won at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, another feather to his cap. So naturally, Kasey Kahne’s interest in racing would still be intact even at 44 years old. But what Justin Fiedler – former tire changer for Darrell Wallace Jr. – could not understand was the sequence of events. Kahne put up an average performance in his High Limit debut season. Plus, his crew chief Eri Prutzman recently transitioned into a general manager role at Kasey Kahne Racing.

But instead of reducing his duties, Kasey Kahne ended up enhancing Prutzman’s role for 2025. Insider Justin Fiedler pointed this out in a recent Dirtrackr Daily video. “This move was unexpected because back in October when we found out that Eric Prutzman wouldn’t be back as Brad Sweet’s crew chief next year, the plan then was for Kahne to run a pick-and-choose schedule – a lot shorter – and have Prutzman oversee all of KKR… It was kind of the whole point of Prutzman’s change – to not have to travel so much but still stay in KKR… With Kahne back full-time, Prutzman will be at at least 61 races next year – that’s the High Limit schedule – likely with more coming.”

Fiedler also pointed out that Kasey Kahne was not exactly in his top form in the Kubota High Limit Racing’s 2024 season. “It wasn’t an easy season though for the 18-time NASCAR Cup Series winner as he ended up 14th in the final standings with just a single top-five and 9 top-tens in 45 feature appearances. Kahne’s car ran without a ton of sponsorship all season after losing previous partner Caravan Trailers. Crew help was an issue from start to finish,” added Fiedler. There were slivers of sunshine though. The Enumclaw, Washington native collected his first-career HLR top-five at Lucas Oil Speedway – where the series returns for the Diamond Classic on June 27-28.

However, Prutzman’s excellence and team camaraderie might propel Kahne to success soon.

Getting the highest credit from a teammate

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Although Kasey Kahne’s first season did not work out, he may win soon with a remarkable crew chief by his side. Eric Prutzman is an esteemed garage member, with six consecutive national sprint car championships shining on his resume. He was Brad Sweet’s shot-caller on the NAPA Auto Parts No. 49 during these title runs. Prutzman also chased the 2024 title with Kubota High Limit Racing after topping the World of Outlaws from 2019-23. On top of these laurels, he is also an amazing teammate as Tye Wolfgang testified. The latter joined KKR’s crew as the car chief alongside Prutzman (crew chief) and Andrew Bowman (tire specialist) in 2023.

Wolfgang tipped his hat to his wonderful crew for showing the way. He also credited them with the highest appreciation – calling Prutzman the best in his field last year. “I just show up and try and do my job. That’s what Eric and Brad and Andrew and these guys have built over the last five years just paying off. They’ve made my transition easy. Eric, in my opinion, is the best crew chief in the country. Brad Sweet is the best sprint car driver in the country. Andrew is the best tire guy in the country.” Wolfgang continued, “These guys are the bar. I didn’t have to raise the bar. These guys have already set it. I’m just trying to maintain it for these guys.”

Clearly, Kasey Kahne has a solid shot at carving out his place of excellence in HLR next year. As the season rolls around, let us see how the NASCAR veteran dazzles us.