Magnussen ticking Daytona 24 off bucket list

Jon Wilde
Kevin Magnussen PA

Kevin Magnussen to join Peugeot's WEC hyperclass outfit according to a report.

Kevin Magnussen has confirmed he will drive for Chip Ganassi Racing in the 2021 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

The Dane, who is leaving Haas after four years at the end of the Formula 1 season, will make his debut in the Daytona 24 Hours which he says “has always been a massive bucket list race for me to do”.

It was initially reported a week ago that Magnussen was in line for a drive in this series having missed out on an IndyCar seat, although Chip Ganassi Racing also compete in that category to which a 2022 move could therefore be a possibility.

The team will enter the premier Prototype category with a Cadillac DPi-V.R and Renger van der Zande, a Dutchman who has won the Daytona 24 Hours twice, will partner Magnussen.

“Really excited about this and can’t wait to be in the car for the first time early next year,” tweeted Magnussen.

“Daytona 24, which has always been a massive bucket list race for me to do, will be the first race of the season. Let’s go and get some trophies.”

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The 28-year-old added in the press release announcing his arrival: “If you are in professional racing anywhere in the world, you know the name Chip Ganassi and what it represents in motorsports.

“Chip has built one of the best racing organisations on and off the track and you can look back in history and see the tremendous record of success, especially as it relates to sportscar racing.

“It’s a great opportunity for myself to team up with CGR, Renger and Cadillac. I can’t wait to get started, meet the team and begin preparations for the 2021 season.”

Magnussen was also asked about his new role during an interview with the Formula 1 website on media day for the Sakhir Grand Prix, which will be his penultimate F1 race for Haas.

He said: “It’s a really cool opportunity for me to join Chip Ganassi Racing. They have so much success in America and to start my sportscar career with them is something I’m really happy about and looking forward to.”

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