DIRTRACKR Daily Podcast - Episode Transcript
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Kasey Kahne's stunning changes to Brad Sweet's title-leading team | Daily 8-3-2025
On this episode, everything you need to know about the big Saturday Kasey Kahne Racing news, including all the details, what's next, and what it means going forward. Let's go!
It's Sunday, August 3rd, I'm Justin Fiedler. This is DIRTRACKR Daily presented by Kubota Genuine Parts.
Today's Daily show is being supported by our friends at American Table & The P.O. Box, two unique dining experiences not far from Knoxville Raceway. Knoxville Nationals week is here, and things get started today with the Capitani Classic. When you're in the area for the races, and you want something good to eat, check out American Table & The P.O. Box. They proudly support the racing community, and their historic location in Oskaloosa, Iowa offers two dining options under one roof. Inside the beautifully restored Post Office that was built in 1902, you'll find an elevated experience upstairs with American Table, featuring a great menu and Sunday brunch. That brunch would be good today, or next Sunday after the Nationals. Downstairs you've got The PO Box, open Monday through Saturday, serving up crave-worthy comfort food, cold drinks, and a cozy vibe. Whether you're refueling after the races or grabbing a bite before heading to the track, they've got a spot for you! Find them at 206 North Market Street in Oskaloosa, Iowa, and visit them online at americantablerestaurant.com.
So here's what we're going to do today. This episode is going to cover all the relevant details for the big Kasey Kahne Racing news that came out last night. There is a lot to talk about and react to, and I don't want other things to get buried. I'm going to do a second show today and get into all of the other racing stuff, and other news. So don't fret. Alright, let's jump in...
We had huge news drop last night with Kasey Kahne Racing swapping out the entire 49 crew for High Limit championship leader Brad Sweet. This first hit my messages early yesterday evening, and by 9PM eastern time the news was public. The initial word was that team owner Kasey Kahne had fired the entire 49 crew, but Kahne told Jeremy Elliott he did not fire anyone. All were told at some point on Saturday though that they were no longer on the 49, and that the crew members on Kasey's nine team would be swapping over. So that means Andrew Bowman, Tayte Williamson, and Kyler Kerkvliet will don 49 NAPA shirts and crew Sweet's car starting tonight with the Capitani Classic. But instead of switching the two teams and keeping everything else going, Kahne has decided to park his own nine car for the time being and just focus on the 49. That meant that crew chief Tye Wolfgang, and crew members Cole Neuhalfen and Zane Jackson are in some sort of limbo situation with no car to work on. Wolfgang then making the decision to leave, and he shared in a social media post quote "Grateful for past opportunities, looking forward to what may be next. I'm actively seeking any and all opportunities to continue my career in the winged sprint car scene" unquote. Wolfgang also telling sprintcarunlimited.com quote "I was relieved of my duties as crew chief on the 49 car. I'm actively looking for an opportunity to compete at the sport's highest level, regardless of where it may be. I feel confident in my abilities and don't feel I was the problem" unquote.
It seems as though there is some confusion out there about the order of events here, but as I understand it, Kasey Kahne decides he's making a change, pulls the 49 crew off, puts the nine crew in, then Wolfgang quits. Given his experience with KKR the last few seasons, I doubt Wolfgang will be on the sidelines long. Especially knowing how difficult it can be these days to find sprint car crew members. I wouldn't be shocked if Wolfgang stayed in Knoxville this week and found work. Supposedly this has been brewing for a while, and things came to a head back on Friday after the 49 came up light at the scales following qualifying at the 360 Nationals. The team loaded up after that and did not return for Saturday action. That whole situation felt odd in the moment, as it's a weird mistake to make for a team of that caliber, and then to just call it a night after that. Before yesterday though, I hadn't heard anything about there being issues within this team, and it's surprising to see such big changes made during Knoxville Nationals week for a driver leading a national championship. Sweet and the 49 currently have 12 points on the 7BC, but the ball is really in their court with Tyler Courtney and Aaron Reutzel both out. Both Clauson Marshall and Ridge have picked up very capable subs in Gio Scelzi and Justin Sanders, but those are difficult situations to jump into and just immediately be fast. Even with what we've seen lately from Rico Abreu, Sweet would have still been the odds on favorite to win the High Limit title. We've seen Kahne be decisive before though, so clearly he felt like this wasn't working.
This was Wolfgang's first season as a crew chief, and a really high profile and high pressure spot to be in for someone's first go. Remember he was bumped up to that position after Eric Prutzman initially wanted to travel less, so he moved off the team and was going to lead Kahne's nine car in a partial schedule. Kahne though eventually deciding to stay full time High Limit, and KKR and Prutzman then abruptly parting ways right before the High Limit opener at Las Vegas. Things started well for Wolfgang and Sweet, with two wins in their first 10 races together. They then had some tough nights into the spring, before eventually winning again with the Outlaws in June at Beaver Dam. They broke a 16 race High Limit winless streak at Florence on July 11th.
Things at the Kings Royal then going sideways with Sweet's crash and subsequent injury. This team not terrible by any stretch, with four wins, and still consistent. Their top five percentage is actually up just a bit on tour with High Limit, but win percentage and top ten percentage are down, and the average finish has dropped off more than a position and a half over 2024. I've seen some out there wondering if all of the other responsibilities for Sweet have hurt his performance this season in the 49, but it's not like all of that is new. He's been juggling driving, High Limit, and Silver Dollar for the last few years. I don't know that I'd pin the decline on that. Going forward, Sweet's car will be in capable hands with Andrew Bowman. Bowman was the tire guy for several of Sweet's Outlaw titles, and he's been leading Kahne's team all season. It sounds like Kahne himself will be heavily involved in the 49 as well.
What's a bit strange, is Kahne now gives up any shot at earning a second High Limit franchise with this move parking his car. There are six available this year, and the nine did still have a chance. If the season ended right now, Kahne wouldn't have gotten one, with the 87, 13, 26, 88, 14, and 5 in position to get them. But with still 24 race nights left, a lot can still happen. The nine dropping out though basically confirms those six teams will be the next to earn franchises. Chase Randall, Sye Lynch, and Danny Sams wouldn't be in line for one, given they've only raced this season. So, a lot to digest there. Sweet with a whole new crew going forward. The nine is parked and Kahne won't run the nationals. And Tye Wolfgang hunting his next job after losing his spot from the championship leading car.
That's it for now. Stay tuned though, as we'll be back a little bit later today to talk a bunch more dirt racing stuff from the weekend. Bye for now!