Magnussen embracing ‘memory for life’ with NASCAR ride

Kevin Magnussen expects to make a lifetime memory with his NASCAR debut Sunday at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego. And he’ll do it at a course like nothing he has ever seen or competed on before.

“NASCAR is one of the biggest forms of motorsport, so I don't think I ever thought it would be a possibility because I've been on that European Formula 1 track that is very different and isolated from the NASCAR world,” Magnussen said Friday. “So, it's not often you get a chance to actually cross over. It's almost like being a soccer player and then taking part in a field game, and I think that's what it feels like to me. It's still kind of similar. It's the same kind of sport, but a very different type of it.

“So, I think that's very, very exciting, and I'm just super privileged to get this opportunity to take part in the NASCAR race. It’s going to be a memory for life.”

Magnussen is entered with Trackhouse Racing in his PROJECT91 team. Justin Marks was the one who approached Magnussen about the opportunity, and he accepted immediately without much thought.

NASCAR is something that Magnussen has long been fascinated with and loved. And his father, Jan, spoke highly of his experience running stock cars.

Kimi Raikkonen, who has previously driven the No. 91 car, also spoke highly of his experience. Raikkonen and Magnussen are similar in having made the trek into a completely new discipline.

“I think just the NASCAR spirit, if you will, driving the car, taking part in the race, seeing my name up on the list with all these other NASCAR legends,” said Magnussen of what intrigues him the most. “For me, it's a great challenge. It's a real excitement being thrown in at the deep end. It would be a very big challenge to just hit the ground running, having done no laps in a NASCAR Cup car so far.

“It's an awesome track. I walked the track this morning, it looks like the most extreme track that I've ever driven. That would be an experience in itself. Just looking forward to it.”

The course in San Diego is 3.4 miles long and has 16 turns. Magnussen expects braking to be his biggest challenge. He compared an F1 car to a fighter jet with wheels, while NASCAR stock cars “are real cars,” that look like cars and sound great.

Regardless, Magnussen doesn’t know what to expect or what his expectations will be for Sunday. But there is no doubt he’s going to enjoy it.

“I expect to do my best and push the limits; try and get a feeling for the car as soon as I can,” Magnussen said. “We don't have a lot of practice. It's a 50-minute practice, and then it's qualifying, so it will not be a lot of experience. I'll just have to try and get going as smooth and as quick as possible.”