Kasey Kahne: 10 Reasons He and Red Bull Racing Are a Perfect Fit

It only took 3 months of searching for Rick Hendrick to find a team, Red Bull Racing, to fill the hours between Kasey Kahne's 9 to 5 plan.  A plan that was made public in April that will have Kahne finishing out the year in his number 9 Budweiser Chevrolet for Richard Petty Motorsports before eventually jumping into Hendrick Motorsports number 5 Chevrolet in 2012 that Mark Martin will be relinquishing. 

That much had been etched in stone but the question remained where would Kahne be racing in 2011? 

Two thoughts were Kahne would sign on for the year with Stewart-Haas Racing or that Mark Martin just might step aside a year early making room for Kahne.  Neither of those things happened opening the door for Hendrick to look outside of the Chevrolet family for possible suitors.

Enter Red Bull Racing Toyota.  I have 10 reasons to believe why this match just may be made in heaven after all. 

10. Red Bull Racing Needed a Star

Let's face it Red Bull has been disappointed in Scott Speed and his underwhelming total of only 2 top ten finishes and 27th ranking in the points standings.

Brian Vickers was diagnosed with blood clots in May and will not be medically cleared to race again this season.  Several drivers including Casey Mears had stepped in for Vickers at one point or another but offered little spark.

Kahne is only 30 years old and though only ranked 17th in points still competes hard, is a fan favorite and has notched 7 top tens this season.  He will certainly bring attention to the team.

9. Experienced Youth

Kahne is only 30 years old yet already has 7 seasons under his belt including 11 trips to victory lane. 

Bringing good reason to get excited if your a part of Red Bull Racing.

8. Winning

Kahne has already won 11 races with his last being in Atlanta on September 6, 2009.

Nothing shoots racing teams up the popularity list like future stars breaking out while wearing their gear.

7. Exposure

One thing we know for sure is that the media will follow this team closely throughout the 2011 season chomping at the bit to break a story about Kahne and Red Bull banging heads.

I don't see that because they all are there for one reason and one reason only - to win. 

Either way, it will be in the news which is always a good thing - even when it's not.

6. Comfort

It must feel exhilarating to Kahne knowing that he will be leaving what has become a dysfunctional family with Petty Motorsports and into a situation where he will be revered. 

He can now settle down and worry about racing without all the other distractions that have hampered him until now.

Being loved and loving where you are can go just as far in the right direction as negativity and resentment can in the wrong direction.

5. Pit Crew

The combination of Hendrick Motorsports, Red Bull Racing and the likely dismantling of Petty Motorsports pit crew allows for Kahne and Red Bull to essentially hand pick the best possible match to assemble a top notch pit crew for Kahne.

4. Rick Hendrick

Rick Hendrick is a titan in the sport and has never minced words when it comes to doing everything possible to win races.  There will be many behind the scenes steps taken by Hendrick to ensure Kahne's success leading up to his much anticipated jump into Hendrick's 5 car in 2012.

3. Kahne May Excel in a Toyota

Although Kahne has spent his career in a Chevrolet there is no reason to think that he is not more than capable to make the switch.  After all, his profession is driving a car and not only will it not affect his performance negatively but the possibility exists that he very well may excel in the Toyota.

He has gone on record saying he's excited about the opportunity Toyota presents.  Does he know something that we don't?

2. Kenny Francis

Kahne has publicly spoken very highly of his Crew Chief with Petty Motorsports, Kenny Francis.  Though he did not go as far as to say that he wanted him to come to Red Bull with him it's widely believed he thinks just that.

Considering the ongoing turmoil with Petty's team it seems likely that Francis will too exit opening the door for their reunion at Red Bull.

1. Kasey Kahne Needs Red Bull and Vice Versa.

This scenario is similar to the Brett Favre saga in Minnesota in that the organization has put together all the pieces that best gives them a chance to succeed.  Now they just need that one missing component to step in with all that they have to offer and lead them to the promised land.

Kasey Kahne has that talent and now the opportunity with a competitive team that will surround him with everything he will need to be successful.