NASCAR's Unluckiest Rookie

Kasey Kahne's 2004 Rookie season could have been the greatest if it wasn't the unluckiest. (Thank you guys for 3 wonderful years on youtube!)
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[@lorddrac_dontaskmetodance]

Kasey Kahne was the kinda guy that could win six races and finish below the Top 20 in points in the first half of his NASCAR career.

[@alexthesniper1952]

That's what happens when you Race for Evernham. Amazing Crew Chief terrible car owner.

[@MegaMr46]

2006 was his best year

[@itzfedora_yt4577]

If you ain't first you're last!

[@sharonholmes9427]

I now you can do it baby Kasey kahne SHARON I'm your biggest fan every suits I was 7 year old

[@HoboAKAHottFuzz]

@@sharonholmes9427 O_O...

[@xavierdenis3701]

Let’s be honest it wasn’t just his rookie year. His entire career he was so damn unlucky.

[@diezellopez173]

As a Kasey fan it sucked when he went to Hendrick. It sucks evernham didn't help kahne succeed more. This dude could've been amazing but still 18 wins isn't anything to be upset about

[@jclevey3806]

@@diezellopez173 Kasey should’ve left Hendrick’s when Dale Jr. joined. With 3 legends like Jr., Jeff Gordon, and Jimmy Johnson on the team it was pretty obvious that Hendrick just wasn’t putting as much into Kasey’s cars.

[@coreylee6061]

@@jclevey3806 Dale jr got to Hendrick in 2008 Kahn got there in 2012 wtf are you talking about

[@ls_812]

@@jclevey3806 no offense but I think you need to Google driver's who drove for Hendrick Motorsports and then maybe rethink your comment

[@zlw1]

@@jclevey3806Kasey joined well after Jr did

[@jrsmith5080]

He isn't just the unluckiest rookie. He's probably the unluckiest driver. His final season was cut short due to health issues. He never seemed to catch a break and he wasn't in consistent equipment until he joined Hendrick.

[@FMecha]

Even then, he was the No. 4 guy at Hendrick.

[@jrsmith5080]

@@FMecha true but i believe his first year at Hendrick was his highest finishing points position of his career

[@handsomedevil4928]

@@jrsmith5080 correct

[@whatincarnation95]

This is probably the closest you'll get to a complete "Checkers or Wreckers" season

[@HotrodHud]

Truth

[@Nate-oh2ym]

40!

[@randomreviewsrebooted5156]

What In Carnation? Davey Allison's 1992 season would like to know your location

[@charlesfloyd3747]

Jeremy Mayfield 2000

[@BlankenshiptheDevil]

Newman won like 11 races one year and ran like shit the rest of the year.

[@alexs.3916]

That Mopar paint scheme is still one of my favorite schemes of all time.

[@levinausley288]

When I was little, the two schemes I loved most were kasey and Tony Stewart in the Home Depot livery

[@DennyDeliversYT]

Darian: *tweets about how Kasey could’ve had 6 wins in rookie year...* Also Darian: *Makes this video* lol

[@DepravedCoTApologist]

*hint hint*

[@joeg5414]

but...he could have if he wasn't unlucky, right?

[@altx7776]

yeah that tweet is literally agreeing with the video

[@Mike4k_]

Imagine if Kasey won the last cup race at Rockingham

[@bdavis24fan]

Yeah Casey Mears winning that would've been great. 😂

[@Mike4k_]

@@bdavis24fan 🤣🤣🤣

[@stephenholloway6893]

Plus the team with Bill Elliott driving won the last fall race at Rockingham.

[@Mike4k_]

@@stephenholloway6893 what does this have to do with bill Elliott...

[@stephenholloway6893]

@@Mike4k_ Kasey Kahne took over the 9 car. Which Bill drove at the end of his full time career.

[@randomreviewsrebooted5156]

0:35 This is still one of the best camera angles of a crash in NASCAR

[@chada75]

Kasey Kahne at the end of 2004: All I do is finished 2nd. Harry Gant at the end of 1981: That's cute.

[@whoasked9500]

Kevin Harvick for most of the 2015 season: Oh please...

[@fegleyz]

As I transitioned from being a lifelong Bill Elliott fan to Kahne in the 9, this 2004 season was one of the most exciting and frustrating all at once. I remember every moment and you covered them perfectly. When Chase's runner-up streak haunted him I started think that 9 was cursed for sure. Made this 2020 championship such a vindicating experience personally.

[@anthonydeloreto3881]

Before there was a Chase Elliott of 2016, there was a Kasey Kahne of 2004.

[@anthonydeloreto3881]

@@chriswarga6812 Chase finished 2nd twice in his rookie season, both Michigan races.

[@parkervarney2793]

And the chicagoland race was stolen from him

[@whoasked9500]

Anyone: Mentions the year 2004 Me: *Vietnam flashbacks*

[@alexthesniper1952]

Yup that's why Tommy Baldwin is a failure. Kenny Francis was the man Kasey Needed.

[@lord_moxley]

Same tho

[@martiniboy1811]

Yeah. As a Kasey Kahne fan I thought this would be a fun video with memories of Rockingham and Texas. But then Dover and Charlotte happened and now I'm sad

[@joshuasecor7900]

Make that 2020 and u got it perfect

[@jackfrost_9800]

Same

[@JonathanGaeta]

Kasey Khane is the most underrated driver. Shame what happened to him

[@Amys_w0rld._]

Dude was beyond inconsistent and most of his wins came on cookie-cutter ovals. Dude is overrated as heck

[@BrickPerfected]

@LGPnJR8788 Kasey is the perfect example that Hendrick does not share equipment equally. I’ve seen so many people over the last few years try to say that HMS distributed equipment equally when it is so blatantly obvious that the top dogs get priority. I’m not taking a shot at HMS here.. literally EVERY multi-car team functions like this. I just can’t stand how delusional NASCAR fans are sometimes.

[@K9RacingAndStuff]

@@Amys_w0rld._ when most of the schedule was "cookie cutters" of course just of one's wins are going to come there. You could say the same exact thing for most drivers who went into NASCAR starting in the late 90s.

[@BrickPerfected]

@@K9RacingAndStuff right? When Kasey started winning regularly the schedule was like 2 road courses, 4 plate races, 6 short track races, 6 1.0 mile track races, and 18 1.3-2.0 mile track races (with Pocono being an outlier at 2.5 miles). Of course most of someone’s wins would come on the intermediate tracks.

[@Leatherface123.]

I’ve always loved kasey khane I never realized how unlucky he was

[@mkwrockers0099]

Kasey Kahne is a perfect example of a guy who should have had way more wins than what he actually had. It’s a shame things didn’t work out well during his last couple years at Hendrick too. Overall he had good career and won a lot of races, but he definitely had the talent to do even greater things. It just didn’t work out.

[@lord_moxley]

2006 and 2012 hurt 2006 if Evernham didnt have issues internally he could have focused more on his team and we could have had Kahne v Jimmie in 06. 2012 he barely got clipped in the Dega wreck and he got clapped by the Biff at Texas. If those 2 things don't happen he wins the 2012 championship.

[@handsomedevil4928]

@@lord_moxley I would’ve liked that a lot, but that would’ve ticked some people off though because of his like six consecutive finishes outside the top 15 to start the season.

[@trailingrails9953]

Hell of a driver, I feel like he never really had consistently good equipment under him. It was either really good or really bad. He was fairly consistent at Hendrick, but let's face it, the 5 team was not the same after Mark retired.

[@official_9101]

but now the 5 teams's back😎😎

[@fishproductions22]

6:44 omg DW is so heart broken

[@codyC423]

That's what was so cool about DW. He cared about ALL of the drivers. He would be excited to see them win and sad to see them lose

[@RBMapleLeaf]

​@@codyC423 I believe it was Mike Joy that said the following which I definitely felt. "I'd rather 2nd by a foot like he has 3 times before then to have it end this way."

[@Rowdy_D70]

He reminds me of Chase Elliott the first few years of his career. They both had great runs on a consistent basis, but they had issues, choked, or lost in close finishes

[@t.sewell1513]

Except Chase has been in A1 equipment and personnel from jump.

[@mitchdrew9005]

@@t.sewell1513 yep

[@scjacket611]

Kahne was not consistent at all in 2005. Well, consistently bad.

[@scjacket611]

@@t.sewell1513 That 9 car was as good as any in the sport when Kasey got in it. Had Bill returned, they compete for the title. And in 2006 Dodge had a great aero piece

[@DennyDeliversYT]

Guy NASCAR fans: *Kasey Kahne? Yeah he good...* Female NASCAR fans: *AAAAAA!!! KASEY IS THE BEST DRIVER EVER!!!*

[@Nate-oh2ym]

ahahaha

[@handsomedevil4928]

I’m a guy, and it so happens to be that Kahne is my favorite NASCAR driver.

[@nascarmonsterjamindycar9031]

Kasey Kahne could have won the 2006 championship if he wasn't inconsistent 2012 to f course keslowski was lucky 2013 could have won 8 races but finished 2nd 6 times

[@alexthesniper1952]

Kasey could have won the title if he wasn't with Evernham. He is like so many others that spent most of their prime on a middle of the road car.

[@t.sewell1513]

Same with Newman. If Ryan was running a Hendrick or DEI car......who knows how much difference it would have made.

[@handsomedevil4928]

That would’ve been epic

[@acer5871]

Kasey also blew a tire while leading at Michigan in 2013. He might of finished 2nd in the 2012 championship had he been about 3 inches further behind Clint Bowyer when the big one broke out at Talladega

[@handsomedevil4928]

@@acer5871 he also got slammed by Kyle Busch like three times. He could’ve em the southern 500 I think until Kyle Busch ruined him.

[@briangriffinfamilyguyfan81]

NASCAR's Unluckiest Final Season: Jimmie Johnson 2020

[@bingusworshipper]

Nah, he just wasn't good, it wasn't unlucky, I just really think he lost his passion for NASCAR, and I think if he does great in INDY that will prove it. I'm sure there is only so much driving the same damn tracks for the 18 years he did before you get bored lmao

[@yunglogical6398]

You sure dale earnheart didn’t have it worse?

[@yunglogical6398]

IM SUCH A TERRIBLE PERSON FOR THAT BAGAHHAHHA

[@randomkdm]

That award goes to Dale Jr

[@aim8767]

@@yunglogical6398 that’s messed up

[@Cynon]

You know what was weird? When Kahne finally got his first win, it felt weird -- it really felt like it wasn't his first win for me as a viewer.

[@davidspisak8720]

Let me tell you dude I’m a huge fan! I’ve been a nascar fan for 14 years and then I found you and it made me watch even more so I thank you! I love your content so keep it up!

[@caseylitton562]

I definitely think that Kasey kahne deserves hall of fame status. I am also a firm believer that he was shorted equipment at Hendrick in favor of chase Elliott and Jimmie Johnson

[@justinkrizenesky]

What did he do to get in the hall of fame?

[@DL-nn1ws]

Hall of fame? Heeeeeeellllll no.

[@handsomedevil4928]

@@justinkrizenesky if Jeff Burton can get at least nominated, so can Kahne

[@justinkrizenesky]

@@handsomedevil4928 i agree, anyone can get nominated, but neither of them are HOF'ers

[@combatwombat594]

Kasey was and always will be my favorite driver. He showed so much potential in his rookie year, shame that health problems and bad luck kept him from achieving what he definitely could have. Still root for his guys in the World of Outlaws series where he owns his team :)

[@fishproductions22]

I remember when I first started watching NASCAR, my dad explained to me that back then, everyone thought Kahne would be a superstar Me in 2012/2013: visible confusion intensifies

[@lord_moxley]

2012 was really good tho

[@lord_moxley]

In an alternate timeline he doesnt get clipped at Dega in that last wreck and Biffle doesnt clap him at Texas we would be talking about 2012 champion Kasey Kahne right now

[@Nate-oh2ym]

Because Erik Jones is gonna be a star

[@handsomedevil4928]

@@lord_moxley yes, I’ve thought about that a lot. His Chase was nearly as close to perfect as you someone can get without winning.

[@chibby__]

he was winning in those years.....

[@lord_moxley]

Kahne could have been a champion if Evernham's team didnt have internal problems

[@randellmainer]

You mean him running around with his development driver and firing a guy that had the nerve to get pissed off about the fact that he'd rather go to her ARCA races than help his Cup team? Sorry if it seems like I'm pissed at you. I'm not at all lol. I'm salty about the fact that he fired Jeremy Mayfield for that very reason. Jeremy was my driver for years

[@lord_moxley]

@@randellmainer Kasey was my favorite up until he retired but I still honestly consider him my favorite even in retirement

[@BrickPerfected]

Ray should have never left Hendrick. He and Gordon would have been Johnson/Knaus if he didn’t leave for Dodge.

[@bingusworshipper]

I dont think I can remember a single time where Kasey Kahne caused his own DNF, sure, maybe he wasn't the fastest driver towards the end of his career, but remember, he was also battling an illness for a while that forced him to retire. So you gotta really feel for the guy.

[@gregoryhughes]

He did a few times. Off the top of my head there was that race in the 2006 chase (Vegas?) where he swung up into David Stremme and wrecked both of them. Another time I remember him flat-out losing focus (his words) at darlington and damaging his car out of the lead. But I agree with your point, 9 times out of 10 his misfortune seemed completely out of his control. Frustrating guy to follow, but all the more rewarding when he won.

[@accordinglyx]

I met Kasey when I was little since I’m from WA, he was super nice and I was always a fan of his since. Always felt like he was such a good driver but he couldn’t catch a break

[@ThunderboltFan2000]

Alabama Gang Documentary? I would absolutely love that for my homestate of Alabama

[@MrKABANGkabang]

That Texas race was the first race I remember watching at 5 years old and man did that make me a lifelong fan. Then a year later watching him finally win at Richmond, needless to say I was jumping up and down with the same amount of relief as him!

[@tgs2141]

NASCAR’s most underrated driver not named Greg Biffle

[@The_Geezus]

Both from Washington State. Interesting.

[@AJMSTUDIOSvideo]

Greg Biffle and Kasey Kahne were both from Washington and both were fantastic drivers, some of the best. Greg was so close to being the first driving to winning a championship in NASCAR's top three leagues as well. Another Washington State driver who wasn't as successful, but won the Daytona 500 was Derrick Cope in the 90s. There was also Chad Little who drove the John Deere car in the 90s as well. Washington produces great drivers, and it's sad that NASCAR still doesn't have a racetrack in the Pacific Northwest. If they are worried about rain, then go into eastern Washington.

[@xoxksa]

The ultimate "Nice guys finish 2nd" examples- Mark Martin Chase Elliott Kasey Kahne

[@handsomedevil4928]

Harry Gant

[@SteelChords]

I remember watching the 2004 season with all the close runs he had and how great he looked as a rookie. Made a lifelong fan of me at a young age

[@johnemery1596]

It's been a really long time since I thought about anything NASCAR related. I used to go to races with my dad when I was younger, but he passed away. Watching this reminded me of those races, and the video was very entertaining, and well done.

[@doomusrlc]

The second Charlotte race was a heartbreaker that year

[@blueyintros4482]

Noah Gragson be like, “hold my beer”

[@cito1101]

Happy 3 years anniversary of your channel Darian!!!

[@elijahn8183]

My first NASCAR race was the August race at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 2014which Kasey won to advance his way into the chase for the Sprint Cup it was so much fun.

[@codyjones8257]

With the exception of the legend like Jr, Johnson, and Gordon, this is the guy I miss seeing race in NASCAR the most.

[@PyroBun_2844]

I miss kasey.

[@RowingFrontal5]

Great video Darian! I always thought he was an unlucky video but he is the unluckiest rookie for sure

[@thunderheads4103]

I remember liking the dude. Looking at them cup cars compared to today, they're so different. I remember seeing the changes week to week and track to track. I miss the good days but Cup died when Dodge left and thr 48 started winning.

[@cj_m8811]

The main thing I got from this was how it completely baffles me how Nascar looked at the product they had in the mid 2000's and thought "yeah we really need to change what we're doing"

[@thefossillcave]

Bad Seasons: Jimmie Johnson 2020 (ft. Michael Mrucz and BlueJimmie48Fan)

[@vanguardtrainer924]

That last race was pretty satisfying though. Only one of the big 3 to properly finish their last race.

[@isaacmckissick1068]

@@vanguardtrainer924 True, Petty crashed and only came back out with 2 laps to go to take his final checkered flag and celebrate with the fans post race, and of course we know what happened to Dale in turn 4

[@briangriffinfamilyguyfan81]

@@vanguardtrainer924 Jimmie could've had plenty of wins in 2020 but kept getting wrecked He looked much better in 2020 then he did in 2018 and 2019

[@BrickPerfected]

@@briangriffinfamilyguyfan81 Jimmie was absolutely in contention pre-covid break but he really seemed to fizzle out once racing resumed. He would run well early on and then fade to the mid pack come the closing laps.

[@seanimusprime9849]

This crazy old grandpa once told me something, it’s just an empty cup -Montgomery “Lightning” McQueen

[@trainswithnickyt]

I was so confused watching this, the amount of time you said the 19 car, yet I saw a 9 on the screen began to make my brain hurt.

[@rshackelford4445]

Kasey was actually my favorite driver for many years, it was actually funny because the two cars I rooted for were the #8 and #9

[@TheDthatcher]

One of the most underrated drivers

[@TheBossLegacy]

That mopar paint scheme is butter! I had the diecast of it...got it from lowes Speedway in 06 or something like that...cost me 200 dollers...my kids broke it lol

[@DaHomieBurns]

You should do one on Kyle Larson next from 2014. He was fast and very competitive but had some bad luck as well.

[@zachhartman3836]

I remember this season very well and was in attendance when he finally got first win at Richmond. One of my favorite NASCAR memories.

[@gregoryhughes]

Wally dallenbach explaining that Stewart wrecked Kahne because of tires made me so mad at the time. It was bad enough Kasey wrecked out.

[@travisjohnson8282]

I must say Kasey kahnes paint scheme in the fall charlotte race that year looked really cool. A highly underrated paint scheme

[@justinkrizenesky]

Gorgeous diecast as well.

[@travisjohnson8282]

@@justinkrizenesky I need to get that diecast. My favorite one is Jeff burton's exide batteries scheme

[@justinkrizenesky]

@@travisjohnson8282 i just bought it a few weeks ago. Big Kenseth collector, needed to diversify a bit 😂 and yes, the late 90's Burton schemes were electric. See what I did there 😂

[@handsomedevil4928]

I’d say none of his paint schemes he ran were bad.

[@thebigone53]

It's only underrated because not too many people know about it. Great paint scheme

[@Nxtl68]

Kasey Kahne should have won a championship at some point.

[@scjacket611]

Then he would have

[@thomasselbe2892]

Kasey Kahne has been my favorite NASCAR driver since 2004, and I always got so excited when he won races. I was heartbroken when he retired from NASCAR.

[@crashandcynder]

when he got out of the car after smashing the back he looked like he was crying. poor dude

[@wrblattner69]

Love your videos man well done

[@jessestewart947]

I like Kasey Kahne because he actually sponsors the dirt track near me

[@dylanvignolini7187]

No way! Which one?

[@jessestewart947]

@@dylanvignolini7187 Skagit Speedway

[@Angie-Pants]

That title is breaking my English major heart.

[@patjohn775]

About the only thing an English major is good for

[@daBEAGLE1017]

@@patjohn775 yep. Id agree wit ya. Ne1 aint need no skool to communicate.

[@DupontandLowesWarrior]

Championship Seasons Jeff Gordon 1998 If NASCAR Had F1 Standings: 1998 Season

[@chrisshockey5845]

The title of your channel alone is worth a subscription...

[@snafuproxy8064]

Great story well told. Thanks.

[@Horse6L]

That Mopar Scheme was the best

[@keeganschneider_yt]

Lol, gotta love Benny Parsons at the end

[@michaelwaltrip4414]

This video towards the end makes me more frustrated watching kahnes luck

[@WAStateMonstertrucks]

Imagine if he was in Hendrick or Gibbs or Roush equipment that decade, Kasey was singlehandedly carrying this organization to relevance for 6 years.....

[@handsomedevil4928]

He outperformed his Evernham/Petty equipment most seasons

[@americancitizen7937]

They would have done him wrong.

[@alexthesniper1952]

Kenny Francis saved Kasey Kahne from being a Bust. Only True Kasey Fans realize how good he was.

[@handsomedevil4928]

Rick Hendrick killed the duo.

[@alexthesniper1952]

@@handsomedevil4928 for sure definitely

[@americancitizen7937]

Yeah, but wonder if Kenny could have left Hendrick and went to Leavine with him?

[@jamesmaples8843]

This was my first season that I actually paid attention to the races instead of just watching. I was a Kahne fan because I like Bill Elliott. Had my heart ripped out so many times Kahne’s rookie season

[@pali1H]

Love the RHCP Dark Necessities song in the background.

[@PoweroftheP00f]

@7:13 Look, a bat shoots across the racetrack!

[@doomusrlc]

8:39 IIRC, this race really brought the lucky dog rule to light and made it controversial to many because I believe both the 12 and 9 were beneficiaries of the rule that race.

[@handsomedevil4928]

Correct

[@camillaquelladegliaggettiv4303]

Explain to a noob what that rule is?

[@doomusrlc]

@@camillaquelladegliaggettiv4303 if you're the first car not on the lead lap when a caution comes out, and you weren't the cause of that caution, you get a lap back (so you were 1 lap down to the leaders, you get to pass the pace car under caution and therefore end up back on the lead lap).

[@pechingf]

As a kid I grew up a Rusty Wallace fan.. This dude came along in 2004 and made some serious noise..followed him all the way through..thanks Kasey!

[@austinreed5805]

Kasey Kahne’s career was unlucky.

[@ninjamushroom8367]

Kasey is my all time favorite driver and this video is half awesome and half sad as hell 😭😭😭

[@joeybeck9727]

100 percent that he should be in the hall of fame

[@handsomedevil4928]

Finally. Someone that sees him as a future Hall of Famer

[@scjacket611]

If he is, the hall shouldn't exist

[@jg772006]

Kasey Kahne was my driver, once Bill Elliott stepped away from that 9 car. I remember 2004 so much ... it was one of the most heartbreaking, gut-wrenching, and frustrating years ever, and how Kasey got through that year without losing his mind is amazing all in itself. 5 2nds ... NASCAR and Casey Mears fucking him at Dover, leading the race and crashing out with 20 to go ... Tony Stewart crashing him when he was leading at Chicago ... Leading 207 of the first 267 laps at the Fall Charlotte race, and he gets screwed by a blown tire ... I guarantee to this day, I don't think Kasey looks back on his rookie year too fondly. He was PLAGUED by bad luck that year. I look at Kasey's career, and while I'm happy with what he managed to accomplish ... 18 Wins (19 if you include his All-Star Race win), with 3 Coke 600s and a Brickyard 400 ... at the same time I'm also depressed, because he should have so much more. Kasey's win total should really, at the very least be somewhere between 30-40 wins. His rookie year alone, he easily could have had 5-7 wins. In 2013, his 2nd year driving for Hendrick ... he had 2 wins, and could have had 3 or 4 more, if it wasn't for the god damn dirty Joe Gibbs cars. Matt Kenseth got into him many times that year, (Kahne finished 2nd to him 3 times that year) and Kyle Busch wrecked him I think 4 times that year ... the most memorable one for me was at Darlington. I remember so many times Kahne would just get blatantly moved over or wrecked by someone ... another one I remember very fondly (I forget what year), is Carl Edwards wrecking him at Pocono between turn 1 and 2. I've hated Carl Edwards ever since. Kahne to me had two weaknesses as a driver: 1. He was a push over and "too nice", which is one reason why I think he got wrecked so often. He was never an overly aggressive driver, and I think that cost him a good amount of races. 2. This reason annoyed the hell out of me, and it happened far too often .... Kasey was always horrible on "restarts" after cautions. I can remember a number of times where Kasey was leading after a caution with like 15 to go, 10 to go, or 5 to go ... the race is about to restart, Kasey is leading, and he gets a bad restart and get blown by, by not only the eventual winner, but by a few more cars. Three examples of this I remember very well: - 2013 Coke 600: He dominated the race, and was leading with 10 to go ... got passed by Kevin Karvick on a restart after a caution came out, finishes 2nd. - 2013 Fall Charlotte Race: Same exact thing ... he dominated the race, led with 15 to go I think, caution comes out, gets ready on a restart, and he lost to Brad Keslowski on a restart. Finishes 2nd. - 2014 Brickyard: Most OBVIOUS example. Dominated the race leading 70 of the 160 laps, led with 17 to go after a caution, then Jeff Gordon BLOWS by him on a restart to win, Kasey finishes 6th. I don't understand how people could call Kasey Kahne "overrated" ... its actually the opposite. He's INCREDIBLY underrated. I wouldn't call him an "all-time great", but he was certainly better than a lot of people give him credit for. He was such a good kid, and a better driver than people think. And again, Im happy with what he managed to accomplish, and I think he might make the HOF someday ... but damn, when you look at his career in totality, it should really have looked a lot better than it does.

[@chrisuncleahmad]

If Kahne had any luck in 2004, that season could have been like Tony Stewart in 1999.

[@abeamcube]

Lionel needs to make a "Checkers or Wreckers" of each race in his rookie season

[@handsomedevil4928]

I’d buy it immediately

[@dgafbrapman688]

they pushed this guy so hard, he had commercial deals, cameos, you name it. Didnt really work i guess

[@mid.life.crisis2955]

8:55 - 15 races with 4 runner up finishes, I don't think i would question if he was ever going to get to Victory Lane, for a rookie who hadn't been driving a stock car for very long, I think he did real well. I think Kasey had raced almost 50 times (in Cup) when he won, that's not that many. I know Michael Waltrip ran (was it..) 462 races before his first win - if the circumstances were different and the last lap wreck didn't happen, can you imagine how big the celebration would be!?! Such a bad bad day and cruel for Mikey. I mention all this to ask if anyone can tell me other drivers with the most starts before winning? Hope everyone's doing good aaaaand another great video - thanks for all your hard work and effort, it means a lot to us watching.

[@chrisharvey5418]

As a Kasey Kahne fan it was hard to watch those races when he was leading and had the best car but ended up crashing out

[@xX_Gravity_Xx]

I feel like I could get along with this guy... So long as we stayed away from anvils, mirrors, bridges and priceless decor.

[@maxbellan4955]

Good Seasons: Kevin Harvick 2020

[@drsausage5864]

Missing rings: Kevin Harvick 2020

[@NASCARFAN93100]

@@drsausage5864 The Iceberg already did that

[@kenzschueler]

When you hear Dark Necessities in the background of a NASCAR video

[@NASCARFAN93100]

IMO The Charlotte fall race was the biggest heartbreaker for Kasey Kahne during his rookie season

[@hunterthe1]

I see him as a conservative Dale Sr

[@TheWildChildJr]

as kahne fan since his world of outlaws days, it had to be one of the WORST up and down careers ever

[@maxbellan4955]

Good Seasons: Cole Custer 2020

[@BrettMKW]

Cole's season was nothing special. He was outshone by Reddick and Bell in arguably better equipment (Reddick for sure, Bell is close) and only won ROTY because he got his win at Kentucky and it locked him into the playoffs.

[@aholegunner]

Who remembers MadTv? Kasey Kahne reminds me of Stuart from MadTv.

[@IvyLeather13]

Evernham and Khane were the definition of checkers or wreckers. That car was fast but squirrely as hell.

[@94nolo]

That year of dodge was always my favorite.

[@StephenGibson829]

Hall of Fame- yes. Just not a first ballot one

[@handsomedevil4928]

I concur. Ricky Rudd needs in there first

[@PaddyLCak3s]

Kasey Khane had one unlucky career when it came to the cup series when you consider everything from this video but then also how he had to waste a few years waiting for his Hendrick ride, but he was also one of the best modern era drivers when it came to sheer endurance races. The man won the Coke 600 three times, and one of the hardest races of all time in the 2017 Brickyard. The only other person with that much potential with very little luck was Ricky Craven, the guy was a top driver but a few really nasty crashes just destroyed his career. We only have to look at Dale Jr. to see just how tough a concussion can be on a driver, but Ricky had similar repercussions without the medical knowledge and recover meaning he never had a chance to get back to 100%

[@aidanw9378]

Kasey is also such a nice guy.

[@SEVENTEENPOINT1]

I watched that Dover race live as a kid and I personally was rooting for Labonte but Kahne was someone I was keeping an eye on what a bummer.

[@max_.10292]

Probably the most underrated driver

[@scjacket611]

Or among the most overrated

[@FMecha]

Alternate title: "Bad Seasons: Kasey Kahne 2004"? Or a Good Seasons, idk

[@KR_Diecasts]

I’d say good, Kasey’s 2005 season was featured on this channel (Bad Seasons Kasey Kahne 2005)

[@drsausage5864]

Kasey was a great driver, but definitely unlucky

[@CrYpTiK_Kaiser]

Kasey was always my favorite driver. I have a Khane hat from, I believe, 2009 that I wore all the time when I was little.