CONCORD, N.C., April 14 (UPI) -- Sprint Cup driver Kasey Kahne has inked a long-term deal with Hendrick Motorsports and is set to replace Mark Martin in 2012, team officials said.
Kahne told his current employer, Richard Petty Motorsports, that he's not coming back as driver of the No. 9 Ford next year. Instead, he will take over as driver of Hendrick's No. 5 Chevrolet.
Kahne, who has driven the No. 9 car since breaking into the Sprint Cup Series in 2004, says he intends to finish his contract with RPM. His plans for next year, however, have to yet be determined.
He is 26th in points so far this year, with his best finish coming in Atlanta, where he finished fourth. Kahne won at Sonoma, Calif., last year, giving Richard Petty his first trip to victory lane as a team owner in a decade.
"In Kasey, we saw an opportunity to cement a big piece of our future," said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. "He possesses incredible talent and a tremendous dedication to his craft, and we know he'll be a great fit within our company."
