Trackhouse Racing introduced PROJECT91 during the 2022 season with the goal of bringing international drivers to the NASCAR Cup Series. The No. 91 car only competed in one race at Watkins Glen International with Kimi Raikkonen.
Then, it returned for the 2023 NASCAR season when Raikkonen ran at Circuit of the Americas alongside a major group of drivers, such as Jenson Button, Jordan Taylor, and Jimmie Johnson. The No. 91 car has been a major focus point for growing the sport through international drivers.
This is because the 2007 Formula 1 champion is not the only one that has driven the entry to this point. Shane Van Gisbergen, a three-time Supercars champion, drove the No. 91 car at the Chicago Street Course and the unthinkable happened.
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Trackhouse Racing gives big update on the No. 91 car’s status for the rest of 2023
Gisbergen went into his NASCAR debut looking to have fun and learn another discipline of racing. Instead, it ended up being even more fun than he could imagine after the No. 91 car crossed the finish line in first place at the Chicago Street Course.
In NASCAR’s first street course race in its storied history, Gisbergen and PROJECT91 shocked the entire racing world. It is almost impossible for a driver to win in their first NASCAR start, let alone in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Now, Trackhouse Racing’s third entry has become even more popular. It was a major talking point before the victory; however, Gisbergen’s victory has elevated the sport to new levels as it could bring even more drivers over for a potential race or two.
Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks gave an update in a post-race press conference on the status of the No. 91 car for the rest of the 2023 season and it may not be what people were expecting coming out of the historic NASCAR event.
“(Trackhouse Racing doesn’t) have any other PROJECT91 races on the calendar right now. This is it…Like I said, beyond probably three races, it starts to be a third team. It starts to really kind of drain — not drain, but take resources from the No. 1 and No. 99 car, which is what we’re really focused on at Trackhouse, getting both of those cars in the championship, being able to make a championship run. The last thing I want to do is have PROJECT91 be a drain on that or take anything way from that, so I think three is really sort of the limit for us.
I’m pretty confident that it’s (Shane Van Gisbergen)’s seat right now. He did such an incredible job…Winning feels pretty good, and Shane just did it, so if he can continue to deliver that, I think the door is open for him to do more for sure.”
Justin Marks on PROJECT91 for the rest of the 2023 season
While it might be disappointing to see that Trackhouse Racing doesn’t have any other planned races for PROJECT91 in 2023, the lasting effects of Marks’ idea will go a long way. NASCAR has taken a major leap because of Gisbergen’s victory.
There will be more interest in piloting the No. 91 car in the future and maybe, the interest will be enough to get the entry back on the race track. However, it is all about having the resources and personnel to make that happen.
Trackhouse Racing previously discussed the idea of having a third full-time car for the 2024 NASCAR season, with a surprising lead candidate, but it never came to fruition and talks substantially cooled off.
With the No. 91 car making national headlines, who should be the next driver, outside of Gisbergen, to pilot the entry when the time is right? Continue reading to find out three ideal candidates for Trackhouse Racing!
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3 ideal candidates to drive the No. 91 car for Trackhouse Racing after Shane Van Gisbergen
Trackhouse Racing will have plenty of interest in the No. 91 car moving forward, which is going to give them the opportunity of attracting even bigger names. This is a very positive thing for both the organization and NASCAR.
Sebastian Vettel is a 36-year-old former Formula 1 driver who is considered one of the best drivers in series history. Vettel has 53 total victories along with his spectacular four consecutive titles.
Vettel recently expressed his desire for Formula 1 to race at Road America so racing in America is something that might interest him. The 36-year-old driver’s full-time racing career is likely over and he has already been offered an IndyCar test drive at Road America.
Next, Daniel Ricciardo is a 34-year-old Formula 1 reserve driver for Red Bull that has been a staple of the series since his breakout during the 2014 season. This is before he left Red Bull for Alpine after dueling with Max Verstappen.
Ricciardo has embraced the American culture at races, such as Circuit of the Americas and Miami, and would be a brilliant fit for the Trackhouse’s No. 91 car after his departure from Formula 1.
Finally, Valentino Rossi is widely considered one of the greatest motorcycle racers of all time. Rossi has compiled 115 wins and remains the only driver to win the 125, 250, 500, and MotoGP World Championships.
The nine-time World Champion would be a brilliant addition to the Trackhouse Racing No. 91 team for a few races. There might not be a more accomplished driver and it would certainly make headlines across the world.
Trackhouse Racing has plenty of interest in the No. 91 car and Gisbergen’s win at the Chicago Street Course further establishes that PROJECT 91 can be successful. The futures of the organization and NASCAR are bright as the No. 91 car becomes a national headline.