Kasey Kahne Set for Surprising NASCAR Truck Series Comeback with Spire Motorsports in 2027

In a stunning turn of events during the NASCAR silly season, 46-year-old Kasey Kahne is reportedly set to come out of retirement in 2027 for a full-time return to racing. This is not a one-off appearance or a part-time stint; Kahne is getting back behind the wheel on a full-time basis.

Kahne is nearing a deal to pilot a truck for Spire Motorsports in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (soon to be rebranded as the FedEx Freight Truck Series) for the 2027 season. According to Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic, while nothing is officially finalized yet, the veteran driver is all but signed with the team.

After years away from the NASCAR competition, the big question remains: could Kahne be competitive with Spire upon his return?

Kahne Could Become Second Oldest Truck Champion in History

Ron Hornaday Jr. holds the record as the oldest NASCAR Truck Series champion, winning the title at 51 years, four months, and 24 days of age. If Kahne, who will turn 47 next April, can navigate his way to a championship, he would become only the second-oldest champion in the series’ history.

Given his lengthy hiatus from the sport, is a championship run with Spire Motorsports a plausible scenario? The Washington native boasts an impressive historical record in the Truck Series, securing five victories in just six career starts. However, he has not competed in a truck race since 2015.

Despite the time away, there is no question that Kahne will have the necessary resources to contend. Spire Motorsports has logged 12 victories across 90 races in the Craftsman Truck Series. Equipped with strong machinery, Kahne has a realistic shot at emerging as a championship contender.

It is worth noting that Kahne has never secured a championship in any of NASCAR’s top three touring series. His peak performance in the Cup Series came in 2012, when he finished fourth in the final standings.

Details of Kasey Kahne’s Shocking NASCAR Return

For the first time since his part-time Cup Series appearances concluded in 2018, Kasey Kahne is set to embark on a full-time NASCAR campaign. Although it will not be at the premier Cup level, he will be taking on the Craftsman Truck Series in 2027.

In a report by Jordan Bianchi via The Athletic, sources indicate that the former Hendrick Motorsports driver is expected to sign with Spire Motorsports to drive one of their entries for the entire 2027 Truck Series season. “[Kasey Kahne is] expected to sign with Spire Motorsports to take the wheel of one of the team’s entries in the Truck Series for the entire 2027 season, according to sources briefed on the situation and granted anonymity to discuss the in-progress deal,” Bianchi reported.

Kahne’s most recent on-track action in NASCAR included a one-off appearance in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Rockingham Speedway last year, where he drove the No. 33 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing. The 18-time Cup Series race winner last competed full-time in the Cup Series in 2018 with Leavine Family Racing.

Among his career highlights are two crown jewel victories: the 2012 Coca-Cola 600 and the 2017 Brickyard 400, the latter marking the final Cup win of his career.

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