Kasey Kahne to drive No. 77 Chevrolet full-time in 2027 Truck Series

Key points

• Kasey Kahne will race full-time in the 2027 NASCAR Truck Series for Spire Motorsports.
• He will pilot the No. 77 Chevrolet Silverado RST, starting with the season opener at Daytona on February 19.
• Kahne has 18 Cup Series wins and is recognized as one of NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers.
• The driver last competed in NASCAR in 2025, having stepped away in 2018 due to health issues.
• Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson emphasized Kahne's competitive nature and shared history with the team.

Background

Kahne's return follows a period of absence from the sport, during which he focused on open-wheel racing and his own organization, Kasey Kahne Racing. His last full-time Cup Series season was 2017, and he made a brief return in 2025 for the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series. Spire Motorsports has been active in the Truck Series, with drivers like Carson Hocevar and Rajah Caruth achieving recent victories, which Kahne cited as a reason for his confidence in the team's competitiveness.

How outlets are covering it

Both Jayski and NASCAR.com report the same core facts regarding the announcement, the car number, and the start date. Jayski provides additional context on Kahne's career statistics, including his 27 pole positions and 93 top-five finishes in the Cup Series, as well as his performance in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series. NASCAR.com focuses on the official announcement and the team's perspective, highlighting the significance of Kahne's return to a team with a recent winning streak. There are no conflicting details between the sources; both confirm the full-time commitment and the specific vehicle and team involved.

Why it matters

Kahne's return signals a shift in the Truck Series landscape, bringing a veteran Cup Series champion into a division where he has limited experience but high success. It also reflects Spire Motorsports' strategy to leverage high-profile drivers to enhance their competitive standing and brand visibility. For fans, it represents a reunion of a well-known driver with a manufacturer he previously raced for, potentially increasing interest in the Truck Series.

What to watch

Kahne's first race will be the Fresh From Florida 250 at Daytona International Speedway on February 19, 2027. The full 2027 schedule has been released, including events at Naval Base Coronado and North Wilkesboro. Fans can expect to see Kahne's performance in the Truck Series as he adapts to the vehicle and the series' demands, with potential implications for the championship standings.