Kasey Kahne gets new crew chief

Nov 14, 2014; Homestead, Miami, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kasey Kahne during practice for the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Through a realignment of the No. 5 team at Hendrick Motorsports, Kasey Kahne is getting a new crew chief for 2015. According to a press release from HMS on Wednesday, Keith Rodden will be Kahne’s new crew chief. Kahne’s former crew chief Kenny Frances will remain with Hendrick Motorsports in the role of Vehicle Technical Director.

"“This is a great opportunity for both guys, and it will strengthen our overall organization,” team owner Rick Hendrick said. “With the new rules for next year, it’s more important than ever to have a strong vehicle development program. Unifying those efforts for the first time under Kenny’s guidance will be critical to our success. It plays to his experience as a leader, innovative engineer and race-winning crew chief. He’s just tailor-made for it.”"

Francis has been Kahne’s crew chief with multiple race teams. They’ve worked together in a driver/crew chief relationship since the end of the 2005 Sprint Cup season. They joined Hendrick Motorsports in 2012. Together they won 16 races.

Rodden was the crew chief for the No. 1 Chip Ganassi Racing team and driver Jamie McMurray in 2014. His departure from that post was announced, indirectly, by Chip Ganassi Racing on Tuesday with the announcement of Matt McCall as McMurray’s new crew chief.

"“Keith is one of the most talented young crew chiefs in the garage,” Hendrick said. “He already knows our culture and works extremely well with our people. The relationships and familiarity he has with Kenny, Kasey and the No. 5 team will make it easy to hit the ground running. We talk a lot about ‘fit factor,’ and this definitely falls into that category. He’s the right fit.”"

Rodden was with HMS in the recent past, specifically on the No. 5 team. He was lead engineer for Kahne and Francis’ No. 5 team in 2012 and 2013.

"“Opportunities like this don’t come around often,” Rodden said. “The people at Hendrick Motorsports are like my family, especially in the 5/24 shop. I expect we’ll have great chemistry right off the bat, which should make for a smooth transition. I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running with the No. 5 team and everyone who supports us. There’s no better resource than Kenny, so I hope he’s ready for some late-night phone calls.”"

In his new position, Francis will manage the chassis, body, research and development, on-track testing, vehicle engineering and simulation programs for the entire Hendrick Motorsports organization that includes the Sprint Cup teams of Kahne, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson. He’ll report to HMS General Manager Doug Duchardt.

"“When it was clear there was a need for this role, I was very intrigued and felt it would be a great challenge,” Francis said. “It encompasses areas I’m passionate about, and I know we can make a difference for our teams, especially with the new rules for next year. There are a lot of reasons why it feels right at this point in my career, and I’m looking forward to contributing in a new way.”"

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