Kasey Kahne Going to Hendrick Motorsports? UPDATE

(Photo by Brandon W. Mudd)

UPDATE: Here is the latest on Kasey Kahne leaving Richard Petty Motorsports at the end of 2010 from Jenna Fryer of the Associated Press.

Earlier story...

According to a report on ESPN.com, Kasey Kahne has signed a deal to race for Hendrick Motorsports starting in 2011. Since all the HMS drivers are signed through next year, the announcement leads to speculation that Kahne may actually drive for Stewart-Hass Racing, a Hendrick satellite team co-owned by two-time NASCAR Cup Series champ Tony Stewart. If this pans out, it could become the immediate favorite race team of dirt fans everywhere, with all three (including SHR driver Ryan Newman) having solid USAC backgrounds and Stewart and Kahne both owning their own respective USAC/World of Outlaw teams.

However, according to the Charlotte Observer and Jim Utter, the deal is actually for Kahne to start racing with HMS in 2012 as Martin's replacement. Both are viable options for Kahne, who hasn't been pleased with his performance at Richard Petty Motorsports and their switch this season to Ford.

Stay tuned...