NASCAR: HMS And Kahne Parting Ways Is Best For Both

One of the sad things about NASCAR’s Kasey Kahne these days is that he is one driver somehow managing to do the least with the most. He drives for Hendrick Motorsports, one of the most prolific organizations in NASCAR. Yet in his time with Hendrick, he’s won only five races. However, he has managed to make the Chase, at least until this season. Therefore, not all of it has been for nothing. Still, he hasn’t made much of an impact with the No. 5 team.

Kahne finished fourth in the points in 2012, his first year with Hendrick. But every year since has seen a decline from the No. 5 crew. This isn’t anything new when taking into consideration his history in the Sprint Cup garage. Since his rookie year in 2004, he’s only finished in the top-10 in points three times (2006, 2009, 2012). This is despite the fact he’s won 17 races in his Cup career. He isn’t an efficient driver, which leads to the fact that Hendrick may very well be wasting time and materials on Kahne.

That isn’t a swipe against Kahne.

He’s good at what he does, or else he wouldn’t be behind the wheel. He’s extremely marketable, especially with NASCAR’s female fans. He has had some bright moments behind the wheel. He also has a very basic problem behind the wheel, he isn’t aggressive. On the contrary, he’s very bland behind the wheel. Unless his car is strong (that doesn’t happen often compared to his teammates) he’s content to ride around and of course, that gets nothing done. It was like that when he was with Red Bull, Richard Petty Motorsports, and Evernham. Nothing was ever accomplished, and it’s the same song and dance with Hendrick.

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Kahne is the type of driver who has never utilized his full potential. One one hand, it’s impossible to consider. On the other hand, it’s not improbable. He has been on the receiving end of a lot of hype over his career and he has had some success. But it’s all been for nothing, and it’s time Hendrick realizes that when it comes to a team as successful as his, Kahne is dead weight.

Why have a driver that never leaves an impression? Why bother with a driver that won’t win any championships (face it, the term “Sprint Cup Champion” will never be synonymous with Kahne)? Sure, he’ll win here and there, maybe nab a Daytona 500 in the process. But he will never be an out-and-out legend in the sport or even contend for a title. At most, he’ll be a Donnie Allison-type as the years progress.

Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon have won titles, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been in contention the last two season and Chase Elliott has expectations to win titles. Kahne is a driver that many thought should have been out the door after 2014 but was clearly saved thanks to Gordon deciding to hang them up.

Coming into 2015 Kahne should have had the weight of the world lifted off of his shoulders. Kahne’s future was now secure, his current deal will keep with HMS past Gordon who is retiring and the current deals of Earnhardt Jr. and Johnson. All the pieces were in place for Kahne to finally perform and once again he failed to deliver. After a decent start to the season that saw 13 finishes of 17th or better in the first 16 races, Kahne has seemingly fallen off the face of the NASCAR earth. In the last 14 races Kahne has nine finishes outside of the top-17 including seven finishes of 24th or worse.

Kahne seemed like a lock to make the Chase with 11 races to go before the start and since then he has struggled mightily.

There comes a point where you have to wonder if enough is enough and maybe this just isn’t the right fit. Maybe it would be best for both sides if Kahne hadn’t re-signed with HMS. Maybe it’s time for Kahne to find a new team and HMS to bring in a driver that can perform better on the track. Kahne should be running better and HMS deserves to have someone run better in the No. 5 machine, a change could benefit both moving forward although it’s highly unlikely.

Weigh in below on your take of Kahne’s career with Hendrick Motorsports.

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