Former Formula One driver Kevin Magnussen is walking around the San Diego paddock with an easy smile and a steely determination – eager to make his NASCAR debut Sunday in the Trackhouse Racing No. 91 Project 91 Chevrolet.
Shane Van Gisbergen has set the bar high for these esteemed Project 91 drivers, the New Zealander and Australian SuperCar Champion won on the Chicago Steet Course in his very first NASCAR Cup Series start in July, 2023.
The 33-year-old Danish driver Magnussen last raced fulltime in 2024 for the Haas Formula One team and has a versatile resume that includes starts in sportscars and IndyCars too.
“I’ve always been fascinated, and I always loved NASCAR,’’ Magnussen said. “My dad (sportscar champion Jan Magnussen) had a little bit of experience with NASCAR, probably 15 years ago or so now, and did a race. He was testing for Hendrick and doing some work there. I was speaking to him, and he loved it so much and had such a great experience.
“And just for me as a racing driver, to be able to take part in NASCAR and have an experience there is just going to be great. I think, as I said, it’s a big privilege to have that chance. Not many European drivers get that opportunity, so I’m very thankful and privileged to be here.”
Asked about this new brand of close-quarter, fender-rubbing racing NASCAR presents, Magnussen laughed about having to adapt and race with his “elbows out,” insisting, “They’re always out.
“I think from what I know about NASCAR, it’s tough racing. And, you know, the way the sporting rules are around racing each other is much more lenient than in European racing. So, yeah, that’s part of what I have to get used to. I got a message from Jenson Button, who also did some races here and he said, be careful and be aware … they’ll turn you around if they have any part of the track on your side. So, yeah, I think I’ll just take it all in and try and enjoy all of it.”
“Couldn’t think of a form or motorsports I wouldn’t try,’’ Magnussen added with a smile.
As for expectations, Magnussen said, he’s just really open. He was a respectable 29th among the 39 cars in Friday’s opening practice.
“I don’t know what to expect,’’ he said. “I expect to do my best and push the limits; try and get a feeling for the car as soon as I can. We don’t have a lot of practice. … I’ll just have to try and get going as smooth and as quick as possible.”
