No Kahne on LVMS Dirt

There was a chance NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne would compete in the Nov. 26-27 Las Vegas Sprint Car Nationals at the Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

But instead of enjoying one of his passions — dirt track racing — Kahne will be recovering next weekend from surgeries to both of knees.

The procedures are scheduled for Tuesday morning.

He said Friday at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where he will race Sunday in the Cup series finale, that he was born with a condition called plica syndrome that causes irritation of tissue in his knee, and he gradually has been experiencing more discomfort after driving his race car or exercising.

He said the condition isn't serious but the pain is "no fun."

"I guess the older I get, the more I stay active, run, play basketball, work out, things like that, it's inflamed it," Kahne said. "It starts rubbing, I guess, kind of a hole in my kneecaps."

"By Thursday, I think I'll be pretty good," Kahne said. "I'll be able to eat full-on (for) Thanksgiving."

Kahne will miss the Las Vegas dirt race, but about 80 drivers have entered including Steve Kinser, Donny Schatz, Sammy Swindell and Danny Lasoski. Jessica Zemken, who races for Tony Stewart Motorsports, also will compete.

The American Sprint Car Series event features winged sprint cars powered by 360-cubic-inch engines.

Racing also will include competition for IMCA Modifieds.

For information: lvms.com, ascsracing.com