The upcoming June 21 event will mark the first running of a street‑course race on the waterfront of Naval Base Coronado, a venue that blends the historic naval setting with a modern urban circuit.
Kevin Magnussen, a native of Roskilde, Denmark, will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut behind the wheel of the No. 91 Chevrolet, entering the sport through Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91 initiative.
Project 91, launched by Trackhouse Racing, is designed to give world‑class drivers from other disciplines a clear pathway into NASCAR, and Magnussen becomes the fourth driver to take part after Shane van Gisbergen, Kimi Raikkonen and Helio Castroneves.
Magnussen’s résumé includes 185 Formula 1 starts between 2014 and 2024, a podium finish on his Grand Prix debut, a pole position at the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix with Haas, and a current full‑time role in the World Endurance Championship where he recently finished second at Spa.
His endurance credentials also feature a strong showing at Le Mans 24, an overall victory at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona in 2021, and a recent second‑place finish in the Michelin‑branded event at Spa for the BMW M Team WRT hypercar squad.
A High‑Tech Partnership
The No. 91 car will carry the colors of Qualcomm Technologies, which will sponsor the entry for the San Diego race, adding a high‑tech partnership to the driver’s debut.
Guiding Magnussen from the pit wall will be crew chief Phil Surgen, who previously led Ross Chastain to six Cup victories and a runner‑up finish in the 2022 championship, bringing a wealth of NASCAR experience to the newcomer.
Speaking about the opportunity, Magnussen said he is honored and excited to compete in NASCAR, praising the innovative Project 91 program and the chance to test his skills on a new type of track.
The debut will also have a personal touch, as Magnussen’s father, Jan Magnussen, a veteran sports‑car racer, once attempted a NASCAR Cup start at Sonoma in 2010, finishing 12th in a 43‑car field.