A Tech‑Driven Debut
On June 21, the streets of San Diego will host the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race at Naval Base Coronado, marking the series’ first foray into Southern California and setting the stage for a historic debut.
Kevin Magnussen, the 30‑year‑old Danish driver who earned a podium on his Formula 1 debut in 2014, will climb into the No. 91 Qualcomm Chevrolet for his first NASCAR Cup start, bringing a blend of European pedigree and technical curiosity to the track.
The effort is anchored by Qualcomm Technologies, whose AI‑powered innovations are intended to sharpen the team’s performance on and off the track, underscoring a new era of technology integration in motorsport.
Magnussen’s participation is part of PROJECT91, Justin Marks’ initiative launched in 2022 to showcase international talent on NASCAR’s premier circuit; the program has already featured Kimi Räikkönen and Shane van Gisbergen.
Phil Surgen will serve as crew chief, guiding a lineup that also includes full‑time Cup drivers Ross Chastain, Connor Zilisch and the returning van Gisbergen, creating a diverse roster of global racing talent.
The race will be streamed on Amazon Prime, giving viewers a premium look at the blend of speed, technology and international representation that NASCAR hopes to highlight as it expands its global footprint.