Notebook: Kahne's future still up in air

The latest piece in the puzzle that is the future of Kasey Kahne, Evernham Motorsports and Bill Elliott might have fallen into place when Akins Motorsports announced it would switch to Dodges in 2004.

But it remains that driver Kasey Kahne's future may be settled in a venue not usually reserved for racecars.

	Kasey Kahne Credit: Autostock

Kahne, the second-year Busch Series driver who won his first race Saturday at Homestead-Miami Speedway, has been one of Ford's most highly valued development projects, and ended the season seventh in the standings.

But with Elliott beginning serious talks about retiring from full-time competition at the end of this season, Kahne -- in media reports -- has become Evernham's chief target to replace Elliott.

Elliott dominated Sunday's Ford 400 at Homestead, but a flat tire on the last lap knocked him back to eighth and denied what would have been his second consecutive victory. He and Evernham are reportedly scheduled to meet Tuesday to discuss the future -- which Evernham has said will include Elliott in some fashion for as long as he has the team.

In his post-race remarks to several reporters, Kahne was reported to have said the only thing that is keeping him from driving Evernham's No. 9 Dodge next season --- the car Elliott has driven for the past three years --- is whether or not his lawyers can get him out of his contract with Ford.

Ford Racing official Greg Specht is on record as saying that won't happen.

Akins Motorsports will become a jointly owned organization, with current general manager Doug Stringer sharing equal ownership with Brad Akins, who has owned the team for 11 years.

With the switch to Dodge, Evernham Motorsports will support the team's effort with its technical assets and prepare the engines that Akins Motorsports will utilize in 2004-2005.

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"Brad and I both feel that the change to Dodge, along with the additional support from Ray Evernham's organization will assist in completing the package that will enable our team to aggressively contend for the Busch Series championship in the years to come," Stringer said.

"Bringing a victory to Ford, on the last race of an 11-year relationship, is a great ending for everyone," Akins said. "We couldn't have written a better storybook ending. In addition, what better way to enter the Dodge camp next season than with this win?"

Kahne, who had a career season in the Busch Series with the victory, four top-five and 14 top-10 finishes, started in the top-10 in 19 of 34 races.

He said he didn't think about the rumors surrounding his future while in the seat.

"My situation, I really don't know now (but) seriously, I wish I knew more," Kahne said. "It's been the same thing I've been saying for the last month and a half, and it's kind of getting old.

"I wish I knew exactly what I was doing but I don't," Kahne said. "I definitely want to be in the (Akins) car next year in the Busch Series."

Elliott ready for a break

	Bill Elliott

The frustration of his last lap loss at Homestead aside, Bill Elliott said last week he was ready for the 2003 Winston Cup season to be over.

"To some extent, it does get to be a grind about this time of the year," Elliott said. "This is about the time of the year that it all happens anyway (and) everybody is on a pretty short stick.

"It's just to the point where we're all ready for a break. Regardless of how well or how bad you're running, it's about the time of the season where we all need a break."

Tracy profiling at Homestead

Weekend sponsor Ford had its CART Indy car champion, Paul Tracy on hand at Homestead to greet fans and guests, participate in Q&A and autograph sessions and soak up the atmosphere.

Among the other celebrities on hand for the weekend included Indy car driver Max Papis; race winner Bobby Labonte's favorite musician, Jimmy Buffett; Grand Slam tennis champion Serena Williams and her sister, Venus; and Florida Marlin Jeff Conine.

MRN, Sirius team for show

Motor Racing Network (MRN) and Sirius Satellite Radio have teamed up to deliver motorsports fans a motorsports radio talk show, "Sirius Speedway," hosted by longtime MRN on-air personality Dave Moody.

The show debuted Nov. 17 from 3-6 p.m. ET and the national live show, produced by MRN, will air weekdays all year on Sirius Sports Action 123.

The live, call-in program will include interviews, fan call-ins and up-to-date news and information from all major motorsports sanctioning bodies including NASCAR, IRL, F-1, The World of Outlaws, CART and the NHRA.

"The show will be unpredictable and will push the envelope," Moody said. "We'll have fun and we're sure the listeners will gain some added insight into motorsports through this unique program."

The program will originate from DAYTONA USA at Daytona International Speedway and is the first program that MRN has produced for Sirius.