NASCAR: Kahne extends deal with Hendrick

Hendrick Motorsports has announced that Kasey Kahne has agreed to a three-year contract extension with the team. The veteran will remain the driver of Hendrick's No. 5 NASCAR Sprint Cup entry through the end of the 2018 season.

"It's extremely gratifying to work with a driver like Kasey," said team owner Rick Hendrick. "I think the world of him both as a driver with championship-level talent and an overall terrific young man. Our whole organization has a great deal of respect for how hard he works, the professionalism he displays with our partners and the way he carries himself every day. We're committed to winning races and competing for titles with him for many years to come."

Kahne's No. 5 Chevrolet will have a new crew chief next season as Keith Rodden, who served that role for Jamie McMurray at Chip Ganassi Racing, takes over for Kenny Francis.

"I've found a home at Hendrick Motorsports," said Kahne, who joined Hendrick in 2012 and has one at least one race each year since. "We have incredible people and partners supporting us, and I couldn't be more excited about the direction we're headed as a team and a company. It's the right place for me, and I'm looking forward to being here for a long time."

Garage door opener company LiftMaster will be Kahne’s primary sponsor in three Sprint Cup races annually and an associate-level partner in all other events for the next three seasons.