Former Formula 1 driver and current BMW LMDh competitor Kevin Magnussen will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut on June 21 at Naval Base Coronado’s San Diego Street Course, driving the No. 91 Project91 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing.

After more than a year away, the No. 91 entry returns to NASCAR Cup Series competition with Magnussen behind the wheel. Project91, which was created as a platform to bridge the gap between NASCAR and internationally recognized drivers from other racing disciplines, has featured a talented lineup that includes Kimi Räikkönen, Shane van Gisbergen and, most recently, Hélio Castroneves.

Magnussen becomes the second former Formula 1 driver to compete in the No. 91, joining Räikkönen. Van Gisbergen remains the only driver to win in the entry, capturing victory in his NASCAR debut at the inaugural Chicago Street Race in 2023, a performance that helped launch his path to full-time Cup Series competition.

The entry also brings a new sponsor to Trackhouse Racing and Magnussen, as Qualcomm will serve as the primary partner on the No. 91 Chevrolet. Qualcomm is also the title sponsor of the NASCAR Cup Series race in San Diego.

Across 185 Formula 1 starts spanning 10 seasons, Magnussen recorded one podium finish. Since departing the series, he has transitioned to sports car racing with Team WRT, competing full-time in the FIA World Endurance Championship and part-time in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship behind the wheel of the BMW M Hybrid V8.

Before making his first NASCAR Cup Series start, Magnussen will continue his World Endurance Championship campaign this month, including competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France over the next week and a half.

“I’m incredibly excited and honored to have the opportunity to compete in NASCAR,” said Magnussen. “What Justin Marks and Trackhouse have done with Project91 is unique, providing drivers from outside the NASCAR world with a chance to compete at this level. I’m proud to have this opportunity.”

“I’ve already spent time with the team in North Carolina—meeting everyone, doing the seat fit, going through pit stop procedures and all the details that come with preparing for a NASCAR weekend,” he continued. “They’re an awesome group of people, incredibly dedicated, and just as excited about this debut as I am. I really can’t wait to get to San Diego and experience it all for the first time.”

Magnussen, Trackhouse and the entire Project91 program will hit the track for the first time on the new street course on Friday, June 19, for the weekend’s lone practice session. The on-track action continues Saturday, June 20, with qualifying before concluding Sunday, June 21, with the 75-lap race at 4 p.m. ET, live in Prime Video.

 

Image Courtesy to Trackhouse Racing/NASCAR