INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JULY 23: Kasey Kahne, driver of the #5 Farmers Insurance Chevrolet, celebrates with the trophy after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motorspeedway on July 23, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)

Despite making the playoffs, this driver might not have a ride in 2018


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Kasey Kahne ended an almost three-year streak without a victory on Sunday at the Brickyard 400, and he clinched a spot in the postseason with the win.

Kahne is under contract with Hendrick Motorsports through 2018, but he still might not have a ride next season according to team owner Rick Hendrick. Hendrick said, "Our plans are not set for the No. 5 car," after Kahne's win on Sunday.

"There's nothing concrete or done, and that hasn't changed," Hendrick said. "We'll see how things shake out the rest of the year. There's a lot of things involved, sponsors and a lot of things we look at.  We're going to try hard.  But there's no decisions made at this time."

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Kahne said his win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway proves that he's still capable of winning races and that he hopes he's still with the team next season.

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"I think this shows I still want to win races," Kahne said. "It shows I gave it all that I can to get a win and shows that I'm passionate about driving stock cars, and that I can still win races, too.

"I have a deal through 2018 with Hendrick Motorsports. I hear a lot of things, but it's tough to say exactly what's going to happen. I don't know at this point and time. I know me and Mr. H will figure it out. I think this shows that I want to be and still have the drive and passion to do it, so I'm going to keep trying hard I know that."

Before Kahne's win on Sunday, he only had four top 10s on the year. He is ranked No. 20 in the standings, but perhaps Sunday's win will lead Hendrick Motorsports to committing to him in the No. 5 car for next season.

(h/t NBC Sports)