Kevin Magnussen is poised to step onto the NASCAR Cup Series stage on June 21, taking the wheel of the No. 91 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing in San Diego.
A milestone on a military installation
The race will be staged on a temporary street circuit that snakes through the Coronado Naval Base, marking the first NASCAR event ever held on an active U.S. military base.
Magnussen arrives with an extensive résumé that includes 185 Formula 1 starts between 2014 and 2024, a podium on his Grand Prix debut and a pole position at the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix.
Beyond Formula 1, he has been a regular in the World Endurance Championship, most recently finishing second at Spa alongside the BMW M Team WRT.
Project 91 and the new challengers
Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91 program, which invites drivers from other motorsport disciplines, has already featured names such as Kimi Räikkönen and Helio Castroneves; the upcoming lineup also includes Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen, with Connor Zilisch completing the roster.
Qualcomm Technologies will serve as the primary sponsor on the car, adding a high‑tech branding element to the venture.
Phil Surgen, who guided Ross Chastain to six NASCAR victories, will act as Magnussen’s crew chief, bringing a proven strategic pedigree to the rookie’s campaign.
The debut also carries a personal note, as Magnussen’s father Jan Magnussen attempted a NASCAR career in 2010, underscoring a family connection to the sport.
What it means for the series
The blend of an international racing pedigree, a tech‑focused sponsor and a historic venue is expected to draw new attention to NASCAR’s evolving calendar and showcase the series’ expanding talent pool.