Cup regulars Kasey Kahne, Ryan Newman to compete in Modified race at New Hampshire
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers Ryan Newman and Kasey Kahne are slated to participate in Saturday’s Whelen Modified Tour race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Newman, who drives for Stewart-Haas Racing in Cup, made his Modified debut last September at the 1.058-mile track, winning the pole and leading 28 laps before being involved in an accident.
"I have really had a blast racing the Modified," Newman said. "I got my first chance in the car last year at New Hampshire, and we were able to get the pole. We had a great run going in the race. We led laps and then had a problem early with a flat tire, but we moved back up toward the front of the field.
“Unfortunately, we got caught up in an on-track accident and didn't get the finish we had hoped to get - we were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Hopefully, we can change that this time around."
Newman will have to battle the Modified regulars, as well as series newcomer Kahne, who will drive for H&H Motorsports. The team will be headed by crew chief Tommy Baldwin Jr., son of Tommy Baldwin, a current Cup team owner.
"Tommy [Baldwin] called and asked if I wanted to race for them ..., and I said, ‘Heck, yeah,'” Kahne said. "It's a great car, nice and fast, with good people working on it.
"I love to race, so any chance that I have to drive a different type of car is a cool opportunity. The Modified race at New Hampshire is always competitive. Those guys run pretty hard, and it is going to be fun to be a part of it."
