9 NASCAR drivers who will exceed expectations this season – FOXSports.com

Bold prediction: Kasey Kahne will lead a lap in 2017.

Along with leading a lap, Kahne will grab a win and make the playoffs for the first time since 2014. The fact is if he doesn’t, there will be a ton of pressure for Hendrick to hand over his ride to one of the young guns, like William Byron, sooner rather than later.

After two disappointing seasons, Kahne needs to make the playoffs and advance beyond the opening round to show strides in the right direction.