Series LaSalle spotlight - Kasey Kahne

NASCAR Star Kasey Kahne Crowning Bud Showdown Champion at LaSalle

World of Outlaws Sprint Cars return to LaSalle Speedway July 8 for first time since 2004

LaSALLE, Ill. - July 2, 2010 - When the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series invades LaSalle Speedway on Thursday, July 8, NASCAR superstar Kasey Kahne will be waiting. As co-promoter of Kasey's King of LaSalle Presented By Budweiser and a huge dirt track racing supporter, he will lead the ceremonies in the Showdown for the Bud Crown finale at a bullring where the Outlaws are returning for the first time since 2004.

Kahne will be racing his NASCAR machine at Chicagoland Speedway later in the week, but given his roots in dirt track racing in the Pacific Northwest it's only fitting he gears up for that event by promoting the World of Outlaws return to LaSalle, which includes a one-of-a-kind pyrotechnics display that will light the sky throughout the night.

"My dad was involved in sprint car racing so we went to those races a lot and I grew up around it," said Kahne, a native of Enumclaw, Wash., who fields two full-time World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series teams. "I started racing mini-sprints and then moved on to racing sprint cars. I've raced ever since. I try and give back to the World of Outlaws series whenever I can. Fortunately we were able to work out a deal for me to promote a few World of Outlaws events, with LaSalle being the final race in the four-race series."

Although his schedule as one of NASCAR's premier drivers is quite hectic, Kahne still makes time for his World of Outlaws teams, which includes the #9 Budweiser car driven by current series points leader Joey Saldana and the #91 Great Clips car driven by Paul McMahan.

"I spend as much time at Kasey Kahne Racing that I can," he said. "If I'm not racing or at a sponsor function, I'm at the shop. We are based in Mooresville (N.C.) and it allows me more time to spend with the guys. Most of the team is close family so we all grew up together and now we all work together. Unfortunately, I'm not able to be at every race, but I trust the team to do what's best and win races. Winning 20 races with Joey Saldana and the Bud car last year was pretty special."

The action at LaSalle Speedway, which is centrally located in northern Illinois and southwest of Chicago, will no doubt be fast and furious. Danny Lasoski won the last World of Outlaws event at the racy high-banked oval in 2004. Other World of Outlaws winners include Tony Stewart Racing's Steve Kinser (1999 and 1994), Stevie Smith (1998), Mark Kinser (1997), Sammy Swindell (1996) and Dave Blaney (1995).

"The Chicago area has always been a great market for NASCAR and I look forward to seeing the Outlaws at LaSalle," Kahne said. "We had a great crowd at Sedalia and the fans really showed their support for the World of Outlaws series. I anticipate another good showing at La Salle to wrap up the race for Bud crown."

Kahne will be focused on his role as promoter on Thursday at LaSalle. For those who have purchased tickets by July 5, he'll be available for an exclusive Question-and-Answer session. He'll also be involved in the opening ceremonies and ultimately as the special Showdown for the Bud Crown trophy is presented.

"I really enjoy being there and watching the guys race and supporting them," Kahne said. "I enjoy racing in Outlaws races too, but this is a competitive series and a lot goes into racing these cars. It is tough to jump in and race once every couple of months. It will nice to be able to sit back and watch the guys do what they do."

The Showdown championship battle tests drivers on three very different types of tracks. Rounds 1 and 2 were at high-banked Volunteer Speedway in Bulls Gap, Tenn., and Round 3 was at the big half-mile Missouri State Fair Speedway in Sedalia, Mo.

Jason Meyers is leading the Showdown for the Bud Crown championship, followed by Paul McMahan (-36), Steve Kinser (-39), Donny Schatz (-76) and Danny Lasoski (-102). Joey Saldana won the opening round at Volunteer Speedway, with Meyers winning the second night at Volunteer and Jason Sides capturing the third leg at Missouri State Fair Speedway. Drivers earn points in the Showdown championship during time trials, heat races and the main event, so heading into LaSalle the fight for the crown is wide open. Following Kasey's King of LaSalle on Thursday night, the top three in points will share a $15,000 bonus.

Thursday night's event will kick off with Kahne meeting fans who purchased advance tickets, which are only $29 for adults and $9 for children. Adult tickets increase to $35 on the day of the show. Tickets can be purchased by going to http://www.worldofoutlaws.com/tickets or by phone during regular business hours at 704-795-7223.

General camping (no hookups) also is available at LaSalle Speedway on Wednesday and Thursday, making it the perfect destination for those early arrivers to the Chicagoland region for the weekend's NASCAR event.

For more information on Kasey's King of LaSalle, visit www.WorldofOutlaws.com. For information on LaSalle Speedway, go to www.lasallespeedway.com.

For more information on Kasey Kahne, visit www.kaseykahne.com and www.kaseykahneracing.com.

-source: WoO