Former F1 star Kevin Magnussen will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut at San Diego this weekend, with a little help from his father.

The 33-year-old Dane was a mainstay of the F1 grid for many years before losing his seat at the end of the 2024 season. Now though he is eager to try something new.

Magnussen will line up for Trackhouse Racing in this Sunday's Anduril 250 at Coronado Naval Base (4pm Sunday, Prime Video) as part of a 39-strong field which also includes seven-time Cup Series king Jimmie Johnson.

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The former Haas F1 star, who will drive the No. 91 Chevrolet, says his father Jan's experience in NASCAR more than a decade ago is what really pushed him to take on the best that the US has to offer.

He told Motorsport: “It’s a discipline that differs a lot from what I’m used to, so there’s been plenty to learn already.

"My father (Jan) had the opportunity to race in NASCAR back in 2010, and I’ve heard him talk about that experience with so much enthusiasm over the years, which only made me even more interested in trying it myself one day. I’m coming into this with absolutely no NASCAR experience, and we haven’t had the opportunity to test the car on track beforehand, so my first laps will come during practice.

"That means it’s going to be a pretty intense introduction, but luckily, we’re heading to the only street race on the calendar, which is something I’m very familiar with from my years in Formula 1."

Trackhouse has super-strong San Diego lineup

Trackhouse has a strong hand for this weekend's street race in California, with New Zealander Shane van Gisbergen set to start a red-hot favorite with the oddsmakers. Young sensation Connor Zilisch and Ross Chastain complete the regular lineup.

Magnussen's F1 prowess just adds another string to the Trackhouse bow, and he could not be more excited.

“I’m incredibly excited and honored to have the opportunity to compete in NASCAR, so a huge thank you to Trackhouse Racing and Justin Marks for giving me this chance," he continued.

"I’ve always been curious about exploring different forms of motorsport, and NASCAR is one of the most iconic racing series in the world with an incredibly passionate fanbase."

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