Magnussen’s NASCAR debut
Kevin Magnussen, a Danish driver who spent ten years competing in Formula One, is preparing to make his NASCAR Cup Series debut at Naval Base Coronado on June 21.
He will pilot the No. 91 Chevrolet entered by Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91 program, a initiative designed to bring international talent into the American stock‑car arena.
Project 91’s international vision
Magnussen will share the lineup with veterans Ross Chastain, Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen, each of whom brings a distinct racing pedigree that includes IndyCar, Formula Regional and endurance‑car experience.
The effort is bolstered by Qualcomm Technologies, which will supply AI‑driven data tools to help the rookie adapt to the unique demands of a street‑course environment.
Technology and team leadership
Phil Surgen, Trackhouse’s director of technology, has been named crew chief for the entry, overseeing the integration of the new technology and the car’s setup.
Magnussen’s résumé includes a 2021 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix victory and previous campaigns with McLaren, Renault and Haas F1, credentials that team principal Justin Marks believes can translate across different racing formats.
Broadcast and sponsorship landscape
Project 91 has a history of fielding former Formula One champions such as Kimi Räikkönen and Hélio Castroneves, as well as 2023 Chicago Street Course winner Shane van Gisbergen, underscoring its ambition to showcase global talent.
The debut will be broadcast across a range of platforms, including Prime Video and HBO Max for video coverage, while MRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio will provide live play‑by‑play commentary.
Looking ahead
As the sport continues to evolve, Magnussen’s entry exemplifies how traditional racing disciplines can intersect with cutting‑edge technology and global talent pipelines, setting the stage for future collaborations.