Kahne gets three-year extension from Hendrick

Concord, NH (SportsNetwork.com) - Kasey Kahne will continue to drive for Hendrick Motorsports through the 2018 Sprint Cup season, signing a three-year contract extension on Thursday.

Kahne's deal was set to expire at the conclusion of the 2015 campaign.

"It's extremely gratifying to work with a driver like Kasey," said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. "I think the world of him both as a driver with championship-level talent and an overall terrific young man. Our whole organization has a great deal of respect for how hard he works, the professionalism he displays with our partners and the way he carries himself every day. We're committed to winning races and competing for titles with him for many years to come."

Kahne finished 15th in the 2014 Sprint Cup standings, his worst mark since placing 20th in 2010. He won one race and had three top-five results this year.

The 34-year-old Washington native's best season was 2012, when he finished fourth in his first full year with Hendrick.

"I've found a home at Hendrick Motorsports," said Kahne, who since 2012 has earned at least one victory each season while securing three consecutive Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup berths. "We have incredible people and partners supporting us, and I couldn't be more excited about the direction we're headed as a team and a company. It's the right place for me, and I'm looking forward to being here for a long time."

Kahne has five Sprint Cup wins and 26 top-five finishes since 2012. He owns 17 Sprint Cup race victories since breaking into NASCAR's top division in 2004.