Hendrick drivers set promising paths
Hendrick Motorsports created a rumbling tidal wave of news over the last week, setting a course for its future. In short,
is the next man up in the No. 88,
admits to an “adrenaline rush” working in the booth next season, and finally has found some mojo, dispelling some scuttlebutt that his run with one of NASCAR’s elite teams was in jeopardy.
For all the talk circling back to Junior Nation, Kasey’s moment was bigly, as they say these days.
His victory at the Brickyard 400 snapped a losing streak that dates to Atlanta in 2014, a stretch of 102 races.
“Oh, man, it's been a while since I've won, so you have to wonder. As a driver, all I want to do is win; all I want to do is perform,” Kahne said. “I put the effort in each week, whether it's at the shop, whether it's physically, mentally, at the race shop trying to prepare, watching videos, looking through old notes, how can we be better.”
No doubt, but the mental wear and tear had to be a grind. Just a few weeks ago, Kahne was addressing speculation that he may be bounced from the team, even though he has a year left on his contract.
“I want to be in a good situation,’’ Kahne said after qualifying fourth for the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway earlier this month. “I want to be wanted. I want to perform.”
It’s a tough deal, too, when you compare and contrast. Teammate
is a seventime Cup champion. Earnhardt will go down as one of the most popular drivers in NASCAR history. is a rising young star.
Kahne, 37, has the look of a younger brother who tags along for the Big Kids birthday party only because Mom insisted.
“It just kind of feels like you're out on your own little deal a lot of times, your own little island, trying to do the best that you can,” Kahne said. “Things don't work out too often for us.”
But the stars are aligned COMMENTARY at Hendrick Motorsports beyond the Kasey Question. Bowman will replace Junior in the No. 88 next season, a logical in-house move.
Bowman auditioned for the role and fared well last season, making 10 starts substituting for Earnhardt when Junior was sidelined with concussionrelated health issues.
Bowman, 24, also proved to be a loyal company man after the gig was up, remaining with Hendrick while working in the simulation department. Other names floated about to take over the ride included
a rising star in the Xfinity Series, or veteran
,outofa job at Joe Gibbs Racing after this season.
“He really waited for his opportunity. I’m not sure, after last year, that all drivers would have been that patient,” said NBC NASCAR analyst
“When you had an opportunity to get in a Hendrick car, run up front and win, a lot of guys would have just taken the first deal that came along. He said, ‘Nope, I’ll go back and do the simulator work.’ ”
Earnhardt Jr., 42, has some work to do, too. It’s a natural and expected shift as well as he transitions into a broadcast booth surrounded by friends and former working pals. As a reminder,
is his former crew chief.
“I think the comfort that I’ll feel around the team knowing obviously that Steve is there,
and who’s been an incredibly supportive figure in my life,” Junior said. “Being around people like that is going to allow me to be a lot more comfortable, a lot less shy than I typically have been in my past.”
And the possibility exists that Earnhardt could step outside his comfort zone of left-hand turns and restrictor plates in other sporting events, maybe even a one-anddone deal with the NFL crew (he’s a huge Washington Redskins fan) or maybe even the Olympics.
“I could see him being involved if it’s the right fit for him and for us,” said
NBC Sports executive producer and president of production. “We’re not going to say you’re going to go off and do a feature on football, we’re going to say, ‘Hey, does this make sense for both sides to get you involved in something here, be it the Super Bowl, be it the Olympics?’
“There’s a lot of speed events in the Olympics. Could be an interesting match for Dale.”
Junior breaking down the luge or bobsled finals in the Winter Olympics?
Can’t wait!