Kasey Kahne is picking up where Jeff Gordon left off in helping promote the AARP Foundation's Drive to End Hunger campaign, with Hendrick Motorsports' relationship with the cause extending to a sixth Sprint Cup season.
Drive to End Hunger will be primary sponsor of the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet at two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in 2016: Aug. 20 at Bristol Motor Speedway and Nov. 6 at Texas Motor Speedway. The cause will be an associate sponsor for the team in all other premier series events.
The Drive to End Hunger launched in 2011 as a primary sponsor for Hendrick Motorsports and four-time Sprint Cup Series champion Gordon. Since its inception, the organization has donated more than 34 million meals.
"Drive to End Hunger has been an incredible partner of Hendrick Motorsports," Kahne said in a press release. "They made an unbelievable impact with Jeff, and I'm excited to work with them to continue those efforts and make a difference for the millions of older Americans who need our support. We hope to do as much good as possible and keep building this great relationship."
Kahne joined Hendrick Motorsports in 2012 and has five victories in the No. 5 Chevrolet. So far in 2016, Kahne has two top-10 finishes, his best mark of the season two weeks ago at Texas. He has 17 career race wins.
"Winning races takes a team, and teamwork is at the core of all our efforts to create a food-secure nation," said Lisa Marsh Ryerson, AARP Foundation president. "That's why we are so pleased to continue our relationship with Rick Hendrick, whose commitment to winning is unparalleled, and to have Kasey Kahne join us as we work to help the more than 10 million older Americans who face the threat of hunger every single day."
The No. 5 paint scheme will be a little different from the one fans saw on the No. 24. The design uses a black background with candy apple red and white accents, highlighted by a sleek matte finish. The hood will showcase a larger Drive to End Hunger "Forked D" logo.
"We continue to be inspired by Drive to End Hunger and the response it receives from the NASCAR community," said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. "Thanks to our amazing fans and the great work of AARP Foundation, many people have received life-changing assistance. That's ultimately how our success is measured, and we look forward to doing much more together."