Kasey Kahne Wins Brickyard 400 Race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- 21 Aug 2017
"The career is big, for sure—but the win and the history here," Kahne said. "To win at this track is unreal. We used to always be really close. We lost to Jeff (Gordon) and we lost to Tony (Stewart); just some fast cars back then." Kahne had a great restart coming off of the second overtime, after a record 14th caution, NASCAR was forced to call the race with Kahne in the lead which secured his first win in almost 3 years. This was the 18th win of Kahne’s career, leading twice for a total of 12 laps. Kahne received 40 points and 5 playoff points. Kahne pitted on Lap 150, and missed a wreck which eliminated Erik Jones, Kurt Busch, and Clint Bowyer from the race. “I was really happy. Unbelievable to win at Indianapolis,” Kahne said. “Unbelievable to win a Cup race. It's been a while. It feels really good for myself and my confidence. I know it's great for our team. We needed it as a team.” Kahne moved to Indianapolis in 1999, got on a bus and took a tour around Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “They bused us around the track. Got to feel the track in a bus” Kahne said. “That was a really cool day. That was in 1999. That was a blast to be part of that with my dad. Then to be able to race here starting in 2004. Came close to winning some races early on, led a lot of laps in 2012 or 2013. Was close again. To pull it off this year, it's unbelievable.”
Brad Keselowski finished in second place, losing the lead in the second overtime off of an incredible move by Kahne. Keselowski was motivated to get the first win for team owner Roger Penske at the Brickyard 400. “You know, we just have to take our result and move on,” Keselowski said. “But really close. We weren't the fastest car today, but our team did a hell of a job executing. I wish I could have executed a little bit better to bring home the win. I'm not sure what that would have taken.”
Martin Truex Jr. continues to lead the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Standings with 780 points and 29 playoff points. Kyle Larson is in second place with 732 points and 13 playoff points. Kevin Harvick is in third place with 683 points and 8 playoff points. With this win, Kasey Kahne secured a spot in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. The next race in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series will be back at Pocono Raceway at the Overton’s 400. | |||
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