Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91 has become a new high‑profile entry in NASCAR, with a roster of internationally recognised drivers stepping behind the wheel for select Cup events.
Star Drivers Step into Project 91
Justin Marks, the founder of the Chevrolet‑powered team, has already hired a who’s‑who of motorsport stars. 2007 Formula One world champion Kimi Raikkonen, four‑time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves, and recent Formula One competitor Kevin Magnussen have all piloted the 91‑numbered car in Cup races.
Concurrently, Back‑row driver Connor Zilisch, also a Red Bull affiliate, has joined the lineup, reflecting Trackhouse’s growing relationship with the German powerhouse.
Shane van Gisbergen Breaks In
Shane van Gisbergen’s first NASCAR Cup start at the 2023 Chicago Street Course was dramatic; he captured the victory in his debut, a feat that turned him into a full‑time Cup competitor.
Max Verstappen, watching from Indianapolis, was described by the Dutch star as “literally screaming,” a reaction echoed by commentators, as Van Gisbergen’s triumph dominated the track.
Could F1 and NASCAR Mix?
While Verstappen has publicly ruled out an F1 drive in the past, Justin Marks indicated the idea is not entirely dead. In a recent interview with Kevin Harvick, Marks noted that the main barrier would be the power‑unit mismatch: the 91’s Chevrolet engines versus an F1 chassis.
Marks outlined that brand conflicts would need to be negotiated, but he added that through Red Bull’s ecosystem “we’ve had those conversations,” keeping the possibility on the table for the future.
Magnussen’s 2026 San Diego Test
Looking ahead, Project 91 may have a single appearance on the 2026 Cup schedule, the San Diego race where Kevin Magnussen will line up again. The event went down to a heated moment after the session, when moments of friction surfaced between Magnussen and Front Row Motorsports’ Noah Gragson.
Marks praised Magnussen’s “perfect personality for NASCAR,” noting that the run‑in had no impact on his assessment of the driver’s fit in the series.
Beyond the Expo
Project 91 remains a flexible platform: the team has yet to detail any additional appearances this season, but Marks has hinted at a careful, strategic rollout. Mark’s cautious optimism signals that while brand alignment, scheduling, and car‑compatibility are challenges, the door to future starts is still open.
As the series progresses, the 91’s next outing is one to watch, reflecting a continued blend of global talent and NASCAR’s open‑air racing heritage.
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