603 - Kasey Kahne: Why I Disappeared

Dale Earnhardt Jr. reunites with longtime motorsports fan favorite Kasey Kahne to learn about what he has been up to since his last appearance on the Download in 2018. After making the difficult decision to step away from NASCAR Cup racing later that season due to health reasons stemming from dehydration, Kasey has reemerged as a full-time sprint car racer in the last few years, competing with the World of Outlaws and High Limit Sprint Car Series. Kasey remains active in the NASCAR peripheral though, as he was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023 and he recently announced he’ll be returning to Xfinity Series competition with Richard Childress Racing at Rockingham this year. Kasey explains to Dale how the deal came together through Keith Rodden and partners like Rick Hendrick and Mike Curb. After finding success in the initial test at the track in January, Kasey is ready to approach the race weekend like he did when he first entered full-time NASCAR racing.

Kasey enlightens Dale about the ins and outs of the sprint car racing world, which he describes as fast-paced and extremely competitive. He also places himself back in his Cup career and talks about the mindset of going from a successful team like Hendrick Motorsports to a mid-pack operation like Leavine Family Racing. Dale and Kasey share insight into how their respective short-track racing teams operate and how their families being at the track helps distract them from getting too caught up in the pressure of succeeding. The guys also discuss on-track feuds, head injuries, car safety,y and Kasey’s path to NASCAR stardom.