ESPN: Kahne signs with Hendrick for 2011 (now 2012, ESPN jumped the gun)

[MattFancy]

http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/cup/news/story?id=5082269

Kasey Kahne, the hottest potential free agent in NASCAR entering the season, has signed a multiyear agreement to join Hendrick Motorsports in 2011, multiple sources close to negotiations confirmed to ESPN.com Tuesday.

The details of the deal, such as which car Kahne will drive, are still being finalized, sources said.

The prevailing thought is Kahne will occupy the No. 5 car currently driven by Mark Martin, sources said. Martin signed a contract extension last year through the 2011 season.

In 2008 Dale Earnhardt Jr. signed a five-year deal with Hendrick. Jimmie Johnsonlast year signed an extension through 2015, and Jeff Gordon has a lifetime contract.

Kahne is in the final year of his contract with Richard Petty Motorsports, and plans to finish the season in the No. 9 Ford, sources said. It is unknown whether Kahne's sponsors RPM and Budweiser will accompany him to HMS.

Hendrick Motorsports officials had no comment.

Calls placed to Kahne, who turned 30 last weekend, and to his agent were not returned.

Surprised BB didn't have this posted already!

[Fear Our D!]

In NASCAR you're allowed to sign a contract with another team before your current contract expires?? :insane:

[Burgundy Burner]

http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/cup/news/story?id=5082269

Surprised BB didn't have this posted already!

I was on the phone with a friend. Good job on getting it posted.

[Teller]

Put him in the 88. Instant upgrade.

Or, put ME in the 88. Same result. :pfft:

[Burgundy Burner]

Marty Smith via twitter just said that Mark Martin is staying in the 5 next year.

Rut Roh. Jr. fans are gonna have a hissy.

[Burgundy Burner]

Well, it is not Hendrick after all...

http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/Kahne-leaving-Petty-after-2010

[lovetoaster]

Well this is interesting. Someone is obviously wrong. ESPN still has their story up, so who knows....

[Burgundy Burner]

Just talked with someone...

Sounds like Kahne will be with SHR for a year and move over to the 5 car in 2012.

[SC_RedskinsFan]

Just talked with someone...

Sounds like Kahne will be with SHR for a year and move over to the 5 car in 2012.

Why would he go to SHR for only a year? You would think he would stay there......

[Skin'Em84]

Waiittt.. Kahne West races cars?

[lovetoaster]

Why would he go to SHR for only a year? You would think he would stay there......

Since they are so closely related with Hendrick, I guess he will be non-official Hendrick driver next year, then an official one in 2012.

[Burgundy Burner]

Why would he go to SHR for only a year? You would think he would stay there......

Because Hick has probably signed Kasey and will put him in the 5 car when Mark retires after 2011. SHR is just a one year holding place.

[SC_RedskinsFan]

Since they are so closely related with Hendrick, I guess he will be non-official Hendrick driver next year, then an official one in 2012.

Because Hick has probably signed Kasey and will put him in the 5 car when Mark retires after 2011. SHR is just a one year holding place.

I understand that, but it seems odd that SHR would put up the money to run another team for only a year. Unless they plan on running a 3rd in 2012. You would think Kasey would just stay there.

[Burgundy Burner]

A little more...

Richard Petty Motorsports is in a world of hurt. George Gillet defaulted on a $90 million loan yesterday and there are many problems at RPM.

[MikeSellers45]

I don't mind drivers signing contracts for next year, but when they agree to drive a car in two years from now, like McMurray did with Roush, is just weird. It is even weirder when you don't have a ride for the year in between.

[Burgundy Burner]

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/nascar/2010-04-13-kasey-kahne-petty_N.htm?csp=34

[SC_RedskinsFan]

A little more...

Richard Petty Motorsports is in a world of hurt. George Gillet defaulted on a $90 million loan yesterday and there are many problems at RPM.

Thats gotta hurt..... You think RPM will still race next year?

[SkinsBry]

I wonder where Budweiser will end up. A good sponsor is hard to come by these days.

[Bubble Screen]

Leave it to ESPN to screw it up. He's not joining Hendrick in '11. It should read 2012. Kahne is unsure of his plans for 2011.

[Bubble Screen]

Why would he go to SHR for only a year? You would think he would stay there......

SHR already runs Hendrick chassis and engines. SHR is basically a Hendrick team as it is. No big deal really.