THE wildcard program that unearthed Shane van Gisbergen as a NASCAR star will add its latest chapter when the Cup Series visits the streets of San Diego for the first time.
As foreshadowed by V8 Sleuth, Trackhouse Racing is officially reviving its Project 91 initiative to field Kevin Magnussen at the Naval Base Coronado circuit later this month.
That will neatly see the Dane feature as van Gisbergen’s teammate, along with fellow Trackhouse regulars Ross Chastain and Connor Zilisch.
Magnussen is familiar to motorsport fans around the globe primarily for his nine seasons as a hardnosed midfield racer in Formula 1.
He famously took a podium on debut for McLaren at the 2014 Australian Grand Prix and delivered Haas’ first and only pole position four years ago in Brazil.
Kevin Magnussen en route to second place at Albert Park in 2014. Pic: an1images.com / Ross Gibb
Magnussen, who previously made a single appearance in IndyCar, nowadays calls the World Endurance Championship home (racing in a factory capacity for BMW).
His NASCAR debut will come aboard the #91 Qualcomm Chevrolet at a brand-new street course, similar to the circumstances in which SVG flourished in 2023 at Chicago.
“I’m thrilled to be able to bring back Project 91 again this year, especially at San Diego,” said Trackhouse boss Justin Marks.
“We were waiting for the right opportunity with the right partner and driver to bring this Project 91 entry to fruition. Qualcomm is a worldwide brand, and Kevin Magnussen is a global driver, and both are elements we look for when it comes to running Project 91.”
Magnussen added: “I’m incredibly excited and honoured to have the opportunity to compete in NASCAR.
“What Justin Marks and Trackhouse have done with Project 91 is unique. To provide drivers from outside of 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.
“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.”
Previous Project 91 drivers have included Kimi Raikkonen, van Gisbergen and mostly recently Helio Castroneves (2025 Daytona 500).
The San Diego race will take place on June 21 local time.