In 2004, Kenny drove the Roush-Owned #97 during the last two races in the NEXTEL Cup Season. This was due to the fact that Jack Roush needed a replacement driver after defending Cup Champion Kurt Busch was released from his contract two races early, after being given a Police Citation in Pheonix.
Kenny recieved the nickname "Herman," after a track promotor noticed his mischievous behavior. This nickname spurred from a cartoon character named Herman the German.