Espn says Kahne to Hendrick

[Fathead]

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




Interesting.

[Brian623]

 The rich getting richer, esp. if Bud comes along. Now to watch the Martin/ Jr. dynamic in this play out. I'm assuming Johnson and Jeff aren't headed anywhere.

[scott b]

Where Bud is ends up is as large a question as where Kasey goes.

Here's one for you... suppose Kasey ended up in a Jr. Motorsports car, with support from Hendrick, and Bud sponsorship... not the most likely scenario, but you can see why it would be favorable to all parties.

[OregonSHRFan]

NASCAR.com is saying KK will drive the #5 in 2012.... and speculates he will drive a SHR car in 2011.

This doesn't say much for the future of RPM; its kinda like the last nail in the coffin, especially with the news of their financial problems this week.

[SMOKEN14]

I Hated HMS until JR signed there Then just kinda liked HMS than my Favorite Driver Tony Stewart Pretty much joined HMS NOW Kasey Khane My 2nd Favorite driver Signs up with HMS OK I give up I guess I'LL Become a HMS fan Just don't ask me to Root For Jimmy Johnson

[Tonyfan14]

Well the official press release just came out. Kahne will be driving the 5 car for HMS in 2012. Plans for next year are still being worked out. Contract is signed through 2015.

My guess is that he'll drive for Smoke next year. Who by the way is going to be on Sirius Speedway tonight, wonder why? 

But then where does this leave Harvick? Does he stay with RCR or does SHR jump to 4 cars for 2011 before going back to 3 in 2012?

[20forLogano]

Good for Kasey.  Once guarantee is Bud will not join him at HMS.  Pepsi (who I work for) will not allow another beverage to be associated.  If that was the case Junior would have had Bud there 3 years ago. 

[DougS]

I personally think that Bud will be making a departure from the sport. Between Coors taking over the pole award, NASCAR tweaking the bud shootout two years in a row, A/B being sold to eroupean In-Bev, thier quick departure from the Brenstiens in NHRA and a lackluster mis-match with Kasey, I think they're going to save thier money. Et Al Wal-mart So big they don't need NASCAR.

As Far as Kasey to HMS sounds like a good long term investment.

[scott b]

I've heard Bud rumored to be talking with just about every team EXCEPT Penske... 

[DougS]

From Jayski:

What's up with Bud?: Brian Dunlap, Anheuser Busch Manger of Sports Marketing, said Friday that Budweiser hasn't even begun discussions about the future of one of the sport's most iconic sponsors. "Our focus is on Kasey Kahne and 2010," Dunlap said. "Until we have those discussions, there's really no comment on our part."


From me: Pack Sand we'll tell you something at OUR convienence.

The first prediction for 2011 no BUD in NASCAR.

If that's the case then how does that effect Keso taking over the #2 ride. Will Miller minimze it's sponsor impact?

[Brian623]

     http://dailycaller.com/2010/05/04/millercoors-wont-renew-coors-light-deal-with-nfl/


      That's a BIG piece of coin A-B is spending in the NFL.I didn't think Bud would leave NASCAR 'cause it is still a huge sport, now I'm not as sure.

[DougS]

Not only did Inbev pony up 1,000,000,000 for the NFL but they also allowed the Michelob brand to become the offical beer sponsor (Michelob ultra) for the PGA.

[south jersey girl]

that's a lot of 000's...

I guess "adult beverages" is a recession proof industry...

[south jersey girl]

Jayski reporting that Kahne most likely driving the 09 next season, with support from HMS...

Kahne to the #09 car in 2011?: Hendrick Motorsports and James Finch are working on a partnership to put Kasey Kahne in the #09 Chevy for 2011. Multiple sources indicate the deal could be completed within the next few weeks. Hendrick will not be allowed to own the car under NASCAR's four-team rule, leaving Finch in the position of ownership, although engines and chassis would continue to come from Hendrick. Once completed, the partnership solves the HMS dilemma of where to put Kahne next season. Signed to take over the #5 Chevy in 2012, Kahne leaves RPM at the end of the year but Hendrick already has four signed drivers -- Mark Martin, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson -- under contract for 2011. Stewart-Haas Racing was the first option for Kahne, but sources claim sponsorship and financial constraints for that team have made such a move impossible.
Instead, the partnership with Phoenix Racing is a compromise solution. Under a one-year deal, Kahne will be installed with a single-car team that gives him the opportunity to continue running full-time. Here's the kicker: once Kahne moves to HMS, sources claim the man he's replacing, Mark Martin, may be interested in purchasing the Phoenix team for 2012 as he scales back his driving career. Spokesmen on both sides have denied a deal is in the works. According to Hendrick spokesman Jesse Essex, "Our position with regard to 2011 has not changed. We continue to be open to various options, and nothing has been determined at this time." The 51-year-old Martin also remains uncommitted to his future beyond 2011."

[scott b]

Well. that could make a lot of sense for 2011.  The #09 even picked up a win with Keso last year under mostly similar circumstances.

I'm not as sure about the ownership part, though... it could happen, I but don't think MM is really firm on any plans like that just yet.