After working with Jeff Gordon for 10 years, Evernham knew raw talent when he saw it and Kahne had talent.  For the most part, however, he failed to live up to the standard set by Gordon.  (In all fairness, who could?)  Kahne didn't win his first race until 2005, but he followed up with a very respectable six wins in 2006.  He suffered a winless season in 2007 and scored two victories in 2008, then grabbed his first road course victory at Sonoma in 2009.

Ten victories in less than five years aren't too shabby, but we can't help but think he would do better with a different ride.  Every driver can't be a Jimmie Johnson or a Kyle Busch, and not every team can be a Hendrick or a Gibbs.  Sometimes it's a matter of having the right combination of driver and team that makes all the difference.  Kahne has done more with the former Evernham Dodge team than any other driver, so we believe he would be running right up there with Johnson and Busch if only he had better equipment to work with.

 

Speaking of talent and equipment...

One thing that makes us admire Kahne even more (and hate him a little as well) is his reputation with the ladies. 

As with Dale Earnhardt Jr., women just love them some Kasey Kahne.  With his disarming blue eyes and Greg Brady locks, we're betting he has sent many a pair of panties fluttering to the floor.