‘Project91 Is Not Dead’: Trackhouse Owner Teases Superstar Drivers’ Return to NASCAR

Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks has confirmed that Project91 is far from being over. This initiative, which succeeded in integrating international drivers into the NASCAR circuit, promises a return to the racetrack after addressing some temporary logistical hurdles.

Launched in May 2022, Project91 aimed to expand NASCAR’s global presence by bringing in renowned drivers from various motorsport disciplines for short-term stints in the Cup Series. The program saw drivers like Formula One’s Kimi Raikkonen and Supercars champion Shane Van Gisbergen participate, with Van Gisbergen making headlines by winning his Cup Series debut on the Streets of Chicago in 2023.

The reverberations of Project91’s success raised international interest in NASCAR, leading to other teams like Richard Childress Racing and 23XI Racing following suit by incorporating drivers from different global motorsport backgrounds. Marks reaffirmed this success by stating:

“It’s certainly – Project 91 is certainly not dead,” said Marks. “I would expect to see that on the racetrack sooner rather than later. What I love about it is, you know, it’s like our first Project 91 graduate.

“You know, we did this deal and turned it into, from an amazing kind of one-off or two-off even in 23, great little program for Project 91 turning into like a real thing in the sport. A real, some great star power, great new personality, someone who’s committed full time.

“Shane moved to the States, changed his complete life to be a Cup driver. I think that’s really, really fun and one that’s resonated with a lot of people. We’ve got great partners on that car.

“As far as the future, lot of opportunity. I mean, a ton of opportunity. I get phone calls all the time from some of the greatest drivers around the world about coming and doing it, and that’s really exciting for us.

“The only reason it wasn’t on the racetrack in 2024 this year was that we just had so much going on. We had so much going on with the third car that we prepared for a few races for SVG and then helping him over at Kaulig. Kind of all this stuff going on. We just didn’t really have the bandwidth at the time for it. But now as we’re kind of just focused again on our three cars next year, full-time. Then Project 91 can come back and I would expect to see it sooner rather than later.”

With Trackhouse Racing planning a three-car effort in 2025, involving Ross Chastain, Daniel Suarez, and the dedicated Shane Van Gisbergen, the team exemplifies growth and adaptability within the sport. Van Gisbergen’s full-time shift to the Cup Series, driving the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro, demonstrates the tangible success stemming from Project91’s vision.