Kevin Magnussen will compete in the NASCAR Cup Series for the first time, piloting the No. 91 Qualcomm Chevrolet at the historic race on Naval Base Coronado.
First Cup Race on a Military Base
The event marks the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series contest on an active military installation, drawing 39 entries onto the 3.4‑mile street circuit in San Diego. Magnussen joins teammates Shane van Gisbergen, Ross Chastain, and Connor Zilisch for Trackhouse Racing.
Trackhouse Racing’s Street‑Course Edge
Trackhouse has claimed six of the last seven Cup wins on road and street tracks, most recently via van Gisbergen’s victories. Phil Surgen, who guided Chastain’s six Cup wins from 2022 to 2025, will serve as crew chief for the weekend.
Magnussen travelled to North Carolina earlier in the season for seat fitting, pit‑stop rehearsals, and a quick 50‑minute practice on Friday before Saturday’s qualifying and Sunday’s race.
From Formulas to Roadsters
The 33‑year‑old Dane boasts a decade of Formula 1, wins in WEC and IMSA, and an IndyCar appearance in 2021. He was most recently with the BMW Hypercar‑team in the 94th Le Mans 24 in France.
“I’ve always been curious about exploring different forms of motorsport, and NASCAR is one of the most iconic series worldwide with a passionate fanbase,” he said. “I can’t wait to see the street race in San Diego for the first time.”
Magnussen acknowledges the steep learning curve, noting he will be the first laps of the weekend’s practice and racing are his introduction due to a lack of prior on‑track NASCAR experience.
His father, former NASCAR driver Jan Magnussen, inspired his interest, recalling stories from the 2010 NASCAR season. The debut on a street course, something Magnussen has “very familiar with from Formula 1,” may ease the transition between disciplines.
Trackhouse Racing is set to field the No. 91 alongside its other Cup entries, aiming to capitalize on its strong performance on road layouts.
As the weekend approaches, the focus rests on Magnussen’s adaptation to the heavier chassis, different tyre compounds and the strategic demands of a street circuit scheduled amid a busy Cup calendar.
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