NASCAR Sprint Cup star Kasey Kahne will return to Australia later this year to race sprintcars at Sydney’s Valvoline Raceway.

The Hendrick Motorsports driver is set to tackle a series of races at the venue from December 26 to January 3.

Kahne will bring his own cars and equipment to Australia, which will be run by Kasey Kahne Racing crew chief Justin Adams alongside local team Steve Caunt Racing.

Having previously raced in Parramatta City Raceway during the 2006/07 summer, Kahne says he’s looking forward to returning to Australia.

“I’ve enjoyed the racing and the hospitality in Australia before and there’s a lot to like about coming back down there for it,” Kahne said.

“It’s a quick break from all the activity up here (USA) and I get to squeeze in six races. It’s a win-win for me.”

Valvoline Raceway managing director Steven Green says that Kahne’s appearances will add greatly to the Australian summer of speedway.

“Kasey is such a class act, whether it’s on a Superspeedway, the coat hanger in the Poconos or a dirt quarter mile he’s renowned as an ultra versatile and competitive elite racer,” he said.

“His racing credentials speak for themselves but we’re also delighted to have someone of his professional and modest nature to come and share time with us.

“Justin Adams told me that Kasey’s idea of a holiday is spending some time working on and driving his Sprintcar so we’re happy we can accommodate him with that and some Aussie summer weather.”

Kahne missed out on a NASCAR Sprint Cup Chase berth this season, currently siting 17th in the standings after 28 races.