Through the ups and downs of his career, Kasey Kahne is happy where the road has led him.
By BRANT JAMES, Times Staff Writer
Published January 15, 2006
Kasey Kahne has gone from Washington state-born no-name to the center of a legal tussle between Ford and Dodge to Nextel Cup rookie of the year and racing sensation to sophomore disappointment. On the verge of his third Nextel Cup season, the shy 25-year-old looks a lot more comfortable dealing with the everyday demands of a busy but admittedly "cool" life. Or maybe that look is of determination to make up for a season in which he fell to 23rd in points despite winning his first career race. Either way, he's having a good time. He shared his thoughts with Times auto racing writer Brant James.
BJ: Watching you at fan events, it's pretty obvious you're a big hit with the younger set, the women in particular. How do you handle not being able to go to the supermarket for a bag of chips without getting approached by someone?
KK: It's different, but the cool thing about it is the NASCAR fans have all been really cool. All they really want to do is say "Hi" and be able to say they met Jimmie Johnson or Jeff Gordon or somebody. It's just fun. If I run into someone at the supermarket, they wave and smile and say "Hi" and that's about it. It's not like they tackle you into the ground and cause a scene. It's more like, "Hey, how's it going? Congratulations on your season." I don't think it's bad to run into fans. They're excited and it makes you feel good they recognize you, that you've done something they know you for.
BJ: You were recently appointed to the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. What made this something for you?
KK: I think it's a great opportunity. ... In four or five months we've raised more than $100,000 for the Kasey Kahne foundation. Now to be on the committee with 16 others to kind of figure out who is really doing a lot for charities and things like that, I can help figure out who's doing a lot in the NASCAR world and different areas. It's kind of what it's all about, to bring a group of people together from different areas. It's pretty important, what they're trying to do to help the country.
BJ: Are you a political guy?
KK: I've been a part of all that stuff, but just a little bit. I've never really been a huge Democrat or Republican or anything like that, but I think more like a Republican.
BJ: You're plenty busy with your full-time gig, so why race in the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals right before the NASCAR season starts?
KK: It's the first race of the year. There's 200 midgets there. Tony Stewart will be there and it's always fun to try to beat him in a midget. ... A midget is so fun to drive on dirt, and that little racetrack is wide and there's a lot you can do there.
BJ: You drive fast cars for a living, make big bucks, serve at the pleasure of the president. You must wake up smiling every day.
KK: It's really cool to be in the position I'm in, to be able to put some money away. I've built a house, got some toys and some stuff I like to do on the side, and there's some stuff I can have. It makes it a lot of fun, but at the same time, we have real busy hectic schedules. We have to work hard for what we get.
BJ: Have you ever blatantly used your celebrity status to, say, get a table at a crowded restaurant?
KK: I never. I've had people with me who have used it for myself, used my name like that, but personally I've never done it. I'm too embarrassed to do anything like that.
