Kasey Kahne captures first win of season

CONCORD, N.C. - Kasey Kahne raced to his first victory of the season Saturday night, pulling away on a late restart to win the Busch Series race at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

Kasey Kahne hoped it was a sign that his horrendous season might soon turn around.

"Great job, guys, we finally got one," he radioed his crew as he crossed the finish line.

A six-time Nextel Cup winner last year, Kasey Kahne and his Evernham Motorsports team has struggled mightily this year. He's 30th in the Cup standings and hasn't finished in the top 10 since the season-opener.

But a win, even in the Busch Series, can create momentum that Kasey Kahne could carry over to Sunday night's Coca-Cola 600.

"I think driver, team, Evernham Motorsports, we all know we can do it," said Kasey Kahne, who started 32nd.

"It just feels good to win a race, get back up front, lead laps. We passed a lot of cars. we had to battle our way through there, and that's what feels the best."

Kasey Kahne, who swept the Cup events at Lowe's last year, said the Kyle Busch win should help him in Sunday's main event.

"These guys are working hard, they don't like to run bad, either," he said. "They don't, I don't and hopefully this will help us out tomorrow night."

Casey Mears, another Cup driver in need of a decent finish, was second and paid tribute to his sponsor.

"It's fun having them around, the National Guard guys, especially here on Memorial Day weekend," Mears said. "I'm glad we could get a good finish for them."

Clint Bowyer, who wrecked his primary Cup car in Saturday's practice, was third and thrilled with his finish.

"It was a struggle," he said. "This isn't one of my best tracks, usually I leave here with a headache or a crash."

Jeff Burton was fourth and was followed by Regan Smith, Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth and Kyle Busch as Cup drivers took the top eight spots.

Carl Edwards finished 17th and extended his lead in the standings to 423 points over Kevin Harvick.

A total of 25 drivers were entered in both events, ensuring those who finish both races a whopping 900 miles of racing. Asked if they learned anything for Sunday's race - NASCAR's longest of the year - Burton seemed to think so.

"Yeah, to get some rest," he said. "It's a long race."

The race was flagged seven times for 28 laps run under caution, and Kasey Kahne was out front for the final caution. When the race restarted with 11 laps to go, he got a terrific jump and pulled away for the victory.

Mears never got close and had to settle for second.

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