Rick Hendrick statement regarding Kasey Kahne

CONCORD, N.C. (Aug. 10, 2010) – Below is a statement from Rick Hendrick regarding today's announcement of where Kasey Kahne will drive next season in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series before joining Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 5 Chevrolet team in 2012. “Kasey is going to a competitive organization that made the Chase last season and has great leadership and resources,” said Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “Of everything we looked at, he and I agree it’s the best opportunity for him to be successful in 2011, which was always our number-one priority. “The process went on longer than any of us anticipated, but I’m glad that we took our time to make sure it was right. And although I’m not looking forward to racing against him next year, I’m comfortable knowing this is the best situation for Kasey.” As announced in April, veteran Mark Martin will continue to drive Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 5 Chevrolets in 2011. “We’re looking forward to another year with Mark Martin, one of the true class acts in racing, driving for Hendrick Motorsports,” Hendrick said. “There aren’t many things in this world I’d rather do than win a championship with him, and that will be our goal with the No. 5 team for the rest of this year and in 2011.”