Kevin Magnussen, a 33-year-old Danish driver with a decade of Formula 1 experience, will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut with Trackhouse Racing in September at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego [1, 2]. He will pilot the No. 91 Chevrolet as part of Trackhouse’s Project 91 program, which selects drivers from outside NASCAR for Cup Series competition [1, 2].
Magnussen has a diverse racing background, including stints in Formula 1 with McLaren, Renault, and Haas. His career highlight was finishing runner-up at the 2014 Australian Grand Prix while driving for McLaren [1, 2]. He has also competed in IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, IndyCar, and the FIA World Endurance Championship [1, 2]. Currently, Magnussen races for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in IMSA and for WRT in the World Endurance Championship [2].
Trackhouse Racing established Project 91 in 2022 to give non-NASCAR drivers a chance in the Cup Series. Past participants include Kimi Raikkonen, Shane van Gisbergen, and Helio Castroneves [1, 2]. Magnussen will join full-time Trackhouse Cup drivers Shane van Gisbergen, Ross Chastain, and Connor Zilisch for the 75-lap San Diego street race [1]. Qualcomm Technologies Inc. is the primary sponsor of the No. 91 project car [1].
Magnussen said, "I'm incredibly excited and honored to have the opportunity to compete in NASCAR. What Justin Marks and Trackhouse have done with Project 91 is unique, to provide drivers from outside of the NASCAR world with a chance to compete at this level. I'm proud to have this opportunity" [1]. Trackhouse Racing CEO Justin Marks added, "We were waiting for the right opportunity with the right partner and driver to bring this Project 91 entry to fruition. Qualcomm is a worldwide brand, and Kevin Magnussen is a global driver, and both are elements we look for when it comes to running Project 91" [1].
Magnussen is set to make his debut in September at the San Diego street race held at Naval Base Coronado.
