2007 Preseason No. 9: Kasey Kahne

No. 9 Dodge Dealers Dodge

2007 Spin
This Ray Evernham-led team was the group that finally figured out the Dodge Charger’s aerodynamic subtleties. The difference in Kasey Kahne’s downforce-track results and those of other Dodge teams was a stark contrast. Kahne ranked fourth in points earned on the intermediates and nailed six wins. The next-closest Dodge pilot was Casey Mears, who ranked 13th. The only other Dodge team to even record a win was the Miller Lite crew, and that came at Bristol, where aero does not come into play.

Because the COT will only run at three intermediate venues in ’07, it is likely that Kahne will once again be the man to beat on the 1.5- and two-milers. And since the intermediates comprise 17 of the series’ 36 points-paying events, Kahne will ride the superior engineering into the Chase.

His maturation as a Nextel Cup driver is coming along. The kid obviously has a knack for driving a racecar. However, most of the accidents he experienced last season were due to mental errors. The wrecks at Indy and Watkins Glen were cases where the driver was pushing too hard. The Atlanta miscue was just a total loss of focus. With three straight top 7s to his credit entering that event, Kahne had momentum on his side until he inexplicably turned right entering the turn, collecting David Stremme in the process. The good news is that these types of mistakes can be corrected. His knowledge and on-track discipline will continue to grow with experience.

The COT may be a hindrance to Kahne. Teammate Elliott Sadler will be his best ally in mastering this new beast, so don’t expect too much from Kahne away from the cookie cutters. He will make the Chase, though expectations should be tempered once the playoffs begin.

Fantasy Stall
Looking at Checkers: Atlanta, Lowe’s, Texas...just about any cookie cutter.
Pretty Solid Pick: He got his first career win at Richmond and finished third there last year.
Good Sleeper Pick: Darlington.
Runs on Seven Cylinders: He’s not a road course racer yet. Avoid at all costs.
Insider Tip: They really figured out the Dodge’s aero issues on the intermediates last season. The COT may change that to a point, but he’s still a solid pick there.

2006 Performance Rankings
Flat Track Ranking: 10th — Best Finish: 4th, Las Vegas
Intermediate Track Ranking: 4th — Best Finish: 1st, Atlanta, California, Lowe’s (2), Michigan, Texas
Plate Track Ranking: 14th — Best Finish: 2nd, Talladega
Road Course Ranking: 28th — Best Finish: 22nd, Watkins Glen
Short Track Ranking: 13th — Best Finish: 3rd, Richmond

Read Kasey Kahne's entire preview and more in the 2007 Athlon Sports Racing Magazine