Kahne released early from RPM

The 30-year-old will depart his current team sooner than expected after a fallout with his squad after last Saturday's race at Charlotte. His #9 Ford was driven to the chequered flag by JJ Yeley following mid-race repairs after Kahne crashed against the wall and into Sam Hornish's Penske Dodge.

Kahne was reportedly unhappy during the event after suffering brake issues, which had already hampered him in previous races. The malfunction caused him to struggle and eventually crash on lap 125 of 334, and Kahne then felt too unwell to get back in the car according to reports from team officials during the race.

However Kahne later revealed that there had been some friction between him and the outfit, following the incident Saturday.

"I was told that I needed to start doing my part, is what one guy told me last night after the race," Kahne told reporters at Charlotte last Sunday. "I told him he needed to start doing his part."

Red Bull Racing Team announced in August that it had agreed for Kahne to drive for the team in 2011 before he takes over from veteran Mark Martin at Hendrick.

Kahne announced last April that he was leaving RPM at the end of the season after signing a multi-year deal to drive for Hendrick Motorsports from 2012.

Aric Almirola had been entered as the driver for the #83 Red Bull Toyota for this weekend's Chase round at Martinsville, but he is now expected to take over the #9 car at RPM, while Kahne could probably accelerate his arrival at Red Bull.

Kahne has not enjoyed a good 2010 season with no wins to his name despite three pole positions. He currently ranks 21st in the Sprint Cup standings behind RPM team-mate AJ Allmendinger.