Kevin Magnussen (Trackhouse Racing photo)

SAN DIEGO (June 3, 2026) – Trackhouse Racing and Qualcomm Technologies Inc. announced Wednesday morning that past Formula 1 and current FIA World Endurance Championship driver Kevin Magnussen will compete in the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego on June 21.

In addition to Qualcomm Technologies serving as the Official Circuit Partner of NASCAR San Diego race weekend, Qualcomm Technologies and Trackhouse Racing have teamed up to bring the iconic PROJECT91 entry back to the NASCAR field, while powering innovation behind the scenes.

Magnussen’s No. 91 Qualcomm Chevrolet will be a fourth entry for Trackhouse, alongside full-time drivers Ross Chastain, Shane van Gisbergen, and rookie Connor Zilisch.

As the primary partner for Magnussen and the No. 91 entry, the technology company will aid the organization’s on-track performance with artificial intelligence.

Through the Qualcomm Dragonwing AI on-prem appliance, the competition and performance team will gain efficient insights into real-time data, streamlining faster and more strategic in-race decision-making. The technology will analyze and distribute complex data and radio communications to race engineers at both the track and race shop. 

Engineered in America and built for the world, Qualcomm’s innovations are critical to maintaining U.S. technology leadership in AI and 6G and advancing the country’s global competitiveness, revolutionizing what’s possible across AI, mobile, automotive, robotics, data center, and advanced communications.

“PROJECT91 is about pushing boundaries – bringing world-class drivers, bold ideas, and cutting-edge technology into one of the most competitive arenas in racing. With Kevin Magnussen behind the wheel and Trackhouse leading the charge, we’re excited to showcase how Qualcomm’s AI-powered innovations can help teams unlock real-time insights and elevate performance on race day. From our hometown of San Diego to the global stage, this is a powerful example of how advanced computing and connectivity are transforming the future of motorsports,” said Don McGuire, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer, Qualcomm Incorporated.

Magnussen, a native of Roskilde, Denmark, made his Formula 1 debut in 2014 with McLaren at the Australian Grand Prix. He finished second, becoming the first Danish driver ever to score an F1 podium finish.

In 2017, Magnussen joined the Haas F1 Team and in 2022 he won the pole position at the São Paulo (Brazil) Grand Prix during a wet qualifying session, capturing the team’s first pole position.

Formula 1 is not the only motorsport on Magnussen’s resume. He has one start in the NTT IndyCar Series at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis., with Arrow McLaren – where he led six laps before being sidelined with mechanical problems.

Magnussen currently competes in the FIA World Endurance Championship in the Hypercar class, as well as select IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship endurance races in the GTP class.  

“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. 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.”

The inaugural San Diego race will mark Magnussen’s first NASCAR Cup Series start and the sixth race for PROJECT91 – the first since four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves competed in the 2025 Daytona 500.

Other drivers to compete behind the wheel of a PROJECT91 entry include 2007 Formula 1 World Champion Kimi Räikkönen at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International in 2022 and Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, in 2023, and van Gisbergen at the Chicago Street Race and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course in 2023.

Phil Surgen will serve as crew chief for Magnussen at San Diego. Surgen joined Trackhouse Racing in 2022 and has six Cup Series victories, three playoff appearances, and finished second in the point standings in 2022 while serving as crew chief.

Owner Justin Marks created PROJECT91 in 2022 with the intent of expanding Trackhouse Racing’s global reach by fielding a Cup Series entry for renowned international racing drivers.

Van Gisbergen became the first driver since 1963 to win in his Cup debut when he won the inaugural Chicago Street Course race. The victory launched his relocation to America and a full season in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2024, before moving full-time to the Cup Series in 2025.

“I’m thrilled to be able to bring back PROJECT91 again this year, especially at San Diego,” said Marks. “We were waiting for the right opportunity with the right partner and driver to bring this PROJECT91 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 PROJECT91.”

ARTICLE CREDIT: Trackhouse Racing