Having zero races won this year, Kahne crashed his car at last weekend's Charlotte, apparently because of brake problems. Having complained about such issues for the past seven races, Kahne decided not to get back in the race last weekend.
“Kasey Kahne has been released from his driving duties with Richard Petty Motorsports effective immediately,” RPM said in a statement.
“Aric Almirola will pilot the No. 9 Budweiser Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event this weekend at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. Driver line-up beyond Martinsville is to be determined.”
Kahne has signed earlier this year a contract for the 2011 season with Red Bull, but the recent events will mean that he will have an extra few races with the team before his official season starts.
Kahne will be helped by crew chief Jimmy Elledge for the next races and he will drive the No. 83 Red Bull Toyota.
"With our agreement only being for one year, there is a great sense of urgency to get started on 2011," Red Bull team's vice-president and general manager Jay Frye was quoted as saying by Autosport. "With Kasey coming earlier than planned, we are excited to have a five-race headstart."
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