When Hendrick Motorsports suddenly released Kasey Kahne from his contract, there were nothing but kind words and well wishes from his old teammates. The move was likely a cost cutting move, as NASCAR teams are shedding more expensive veteran drivers in favor of more affordable young talents.
Related: Kasey Kahne's teammates react to Hendrick Motorsports' decision to release the NASCAR champion
If anyone needed more evidence that it was nothing personal between the team and driver, the owner of Hendrick Motorsports, Rick Hendrick has now said that he is working to find Kahne a ride for next season. He wouldn't give details, but said via NBCSports:
"I'm also trying to help Kasey in another situation that we could be involved with in helping another team."
When asked if Kahne could be going to GMS Racing, who is looking to move up into the Cup series next year, Hendrick answered:
"I'm not going to mention the team, but I know there are several situations that we're talking to, kind of an alliance, which would be good for everyone. We're working on it. We've been working on it and we'll just see how it develops."
It is no surprise the two are still on great terms since after the 2004 rookie of the year and recent Brickyard 400 winner was released, both the team and Kahne released gracious statements to the press:
Rick Hendrick said in his release:
Kasey has worked extremely hard. He's a tremendous teammate and person, and he has been totally dedicated to our program since day one. I've always believed that he's a special talent, and I know he will thrive in the right situation. We will do everything we can to finish the season as strong as we can.
Kahne was classy in his remarks as well:
I'd like to thank Rick and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports for their hard work and dedication, along with providing me a great opportunity and success over the last six years. We won six races together and I'm coming off of one of the biggest wins of my career at the Brickyard, which has given the (No.) 5 team a lot of momentum heading into the playoffs. We still have a lot of racing left in 2017 and finishing strong is our top priority. I look forward to what the next chapter in my career holds.
Kahne has driven the team's No. 5 Chevrolet for the least six seasons. In his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series career, he's won 18 times with 174 top 10 finishes.