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Jimmie Johnson was so good that his teammates turned into fans. The California native is one of the most successful NASCAR drivers in history, winning the Cup Series championship a staggering seven times. Few have achieved the feat, with only Richard ‘King’ Petty and the Intimidator, Dale Earnhardt, matching that record. Considering these factors, is it shocking that his former teammate was also a big fan?

Kasey Kahne was at Hendrick Motorsports from 2012 to 2017. Johnson achieved tremendous success during that period, winning two championships to add to his five. The Washington native, Kahne, even participated in an online giveaway hosted by the No. 48 Chevy driver in 2017.

Jimmie Johnson left amused at Kahne’s giveaway participation

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It was the golden era of Hendrick Motorsports. Jimmie Johnson and Kasey Kahne were teammates for six seasons and for most of that period they were accompanied by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon too! However, it was Johnson who dominated the tracks. He won the Cup Series twice (2013 and 2016) and also finished 10th or higher in the driver standings thrice. Meanwhile, Kahne secured six wins during his time at Rick Hendrick’s team, playing somewhat of a support role next to the marquee drivers.

However, that didn’t stop Kasey Kahne from trying his luck. Jimmie Johnson once tweeted details of a giveaway on the social media platform, asking his followers to retweet the message to stand a chance to win his Martinsville Speedway hat. Kahne attempted to win the hat by promptly resharing the message but wasn’t selected for the prize. Johnson recalled the situation after being reminded of it by ‘nascarcasm’, prompting him to write, “🤣🤣🤣” in response.

 

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Can Kasey Kahne's return to NASCAR reignite the magic of his Hendrick Motorsports days?

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Despite being teammates, Jimmie Johnson and Kasey Kahne couldn’t have more contrasting roles at Hendrick Motorsports. Being a seasoned  5x champion by 2012, Johnson had already established himself as a leader, with his performances setting a benchmark for success for Rick Hendrick’s team. Meanwhile, Kahne’s aggressive driving style was meant to add a new dynamic to a star-studded team that already comprised heavy hitters Dale Jr. and Jeff Gordon.

Their relationship as teammates was mutually respectful, with both Johnson and Kahne focused on the collective success of Hendrick Motorsports during that period. Being a part of NASCAR’s most successful team is never easy, but the high-stakes and competitive environment helped both drivers push each other on the racetrack. It’s clear that Kahne looked up to the No. 48 Chevy driver during his six seasons with the team if his giveaway participation to win Johnson’s hat is anything to go by.

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Kasey Kahne’s return to NASCAR sends shockwaves

Kasey Kahne is all set to make his highly anticipated return to NASCAR. The 44-year-old will be competing at Rockingham Speedway on April 19th, 2025, with the news being confirmed by Richard Childress Racing. The Washington native has not made an appearance in the sport since 2018 but will be hoping to hit the ground running in the No. 33 Chevy in the one-off appearance.

In a statement released by Kasey Kahne, the veteran driver said, “I’m excited to get back behind the wheel of a stock car, especially at a place like Rockingham Speedway. Rockingham has been a special track throughout my career. I remember winning the Truck Series race in 2012 when the sport went back there last, so to be a part of the current return is cool. Very appreciative of the opportunity that Mr. Hendrick, Richard (Childress), and everyone at RCR have given me.” Kahne’s only Cup Series appearance at Rockingham came in 2004 for Evernham Motorsports where he finished 2nd.

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Kahne, who was recognized as one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023, will be competing at ‘The Rock’ for the first time in over a decade, and the excitement is at an all-time high. Why would it not be? The former Hendrick Motorsports driver has won the Coca-Cola 600 thrice before, racking up 18 wins, 93 top-five finishes, and 176 top-10s in the Cup Series. Given his pedigree, fans are already hoping he can challenge for a victory on his return to the sport.

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Can Kasey Kahne's return to NASCAR reignite the magic of his Hendrick Motorsports days?