Kahne heads to court next week

UPDATE Gillett Evernham Motorsports driver Kasey Kahne has filed a written plea of not guilty to a charge of misdemeanor battery stemming from an alleged pushing incident with a security guard Nov. 16 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The not guilty plea was filed Thursday and cancels the arraignment scheduled for Tuesday.

Kahne also faces a civil suit stemming from the incident. According to witness statements, Kahne's brother said Kahne was pushing the guard's hands off of him, while the security guard claims Kahne shoved him.

01/04/08 Kasey Kahne has a Jan. 8 court date in south Florida on a misdemeanor battery charge.

Security guard Archibald Hutchinson sued the Gillett Evernham Motorsports driver over a Nov. 16 incident at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Hutchinson claims he suffered "severe physical injuries" when Kahne (in his driver's uniform) shoved him after he tried to keep Kahne from entering a motor-home lot without showing any credentials.

Hutchinson's attorney says his client was injured physically and emotionally and is under medical care and unable to work. A police report says Hutchinson suffered "minor bruises and abrasions." The suit seeks unspecified damages in excess of $15,000.