Kasey Kahne Racing has announced in a major Kasey Kahne Racing news update that Daison Pursley will step in as the team’s full-time driver beginning with the 2026 racing season, just days after Brad Sweet declared his upcoming retirement from full-time competition. The team, owned by Kasey Kahne, is bringing on Pursley, a 21-year-old rising star, following his impressive stint at Buch Motorsports and a notable Rookie of the Year title on the High Limit Racing tour.
Daison Pursley Chosen as the New Team Driver After Brad Sweet’s Retirement
The announcement comes immediately on the heels of Sprint Car champion Brad Sweet’s decision to retire from touring, made public during the Kubota High Limit Racing banquet. As Sweet moves toward retirement, Daison Pursley is set to carry the mantle as the central figure at Kasey Kahne Racing (KKR).
Pursley, from Locust Grove, Oklahoma, has gained recognition for his fast progression in open-wheel racing. He joins KKR following a standout rookie season driving winged Sprint Cars, marking his transition from his Pennsylvania-based tenure with Buch Motorsports to the national spotlight.
Pursley’s Racing Journey and Notable Achievements
Daison Pursley’s career has been marked by perseverance and success across multiple disciplines. In his early years, he achieved victories in wingless Sprint Cars, USAC Midgets, and most recently made his mark in winged 410 Sprint Cars. Prior to joining KKR, Pursley captured his first winged 410 win on opening night of the Huset’s Speedway Memorial Day doubleheader, outperforming accomplished drivers like Kerry Madsen.
Last season, Pursley’s resilience was further highlighted by his comeback story. He secured the USAC National Midget title for CB Industries after surviving a serious accident at Arizona Speedway just three years earlier, which left him with a broken neck and a diagnosis of partial paralysis. Despite these challenges, Pursley returned to racing, demonstrating both determination and talent at each stage.
A New Chapter at Kasey Kahne Racing and the No. 9 Car Tradition
With his arrival at Kasey Kahne Racing, Pursley will pilot the number 9 car, a change from Brad Sweet’s familiar No. 49. This transition holds personal significance for Pursley, as the No. 9 carries family heritage from his father and his own early racing years. Pursley reflected on this milestone, stating,
“First and foremost, this is a dream come true. This is something that, as a little kid growing up and watching the World of Outlaws and everything, you’ve seen Brad Sweet and Daryn Pittman and all them winning races left and right. … It’s super cool to now officially be a part of and it’s an opportunity of a lifetime to say the least.”
– Daison Pursley, Driver
He also commented on the symbolic nature of driving the No. 9 car for KKR:
“That’s super cool as well, too, because my dad when he raced back in the day, he was always No. 9. And when I started racing, my number was 9. The font of my number always had the Kasey Kahne little swoosh through it. Just super cool to look back at all that now it makes a full circle that I’ll be getting to drive the No. 9 for KKR.”
– Daison Pursley, Driver
Anticipation for Pursley’s Team Debut
While Daison Pursley could make his official KKR debut at the World Finals scheduled for November 5-8, the timing remains undecided as of the current announcement. He is slated to take on a prominent role in the team and fill the legacy left by Brad Sweet, who amassed 106 nationally touring winged victories and leaves a significant mark on the organization.
Looking to his future with Kasey Kahne Racing, Pursley acknowledged the teams and leaders who have guided his journey so far:
“I’ve gotten to drive for a lot of great people over my racing career with Keith Kunz in the Midget and Chad Boat in the Midget, and a lot of great teams,”
– Daison Pursley, Driver
Celebrating Recent Successes and Pursley’s Ambitions
2024 has proven to be a landmark year for Pursley. He secured a victory in the High Limit Racing series at Lernerville Speedway and achieved a rare four-win weekend at Eldora Speedway’s 4 Crown Nationals, joining the likes of Jack Hewitt, Kyle Larson, and Logan Seavey in sweeping the historic event. Pursley’s season includes wins across wingless Sprint Cars, USAC Silver Crown, midgets, 360 Sprint Cars, and High Limit Racing, confirming his versatility and rising star status.
As Pursley transitions to his high-profile role at KKR, he remains focused on pursuing continued progress and demonstrating his commitment to winged Sprint Cars:
“Excited to go out there and prove to everyone that the winged Sprint Car stuff is what I wanna do and that I’m here to stay and continue to try to improve and get good at.”
– Daison Pursley, Driver
What Lies Ahead for Kasey Kahne Racing and Daison Pursley
With Daison Pursley’s arrival, Kasey Kahne Racing begins a new era, building on the foundation laid by Brad Sweet and the organization’s history of success. Pursley brings not only a strong record but also a personal and professional drive to continue the team’s legacy. The next chapter for KKR will unfold as Pursley steps into his role, aiming for continued victories and possibly historic achievements in coming seasons.
