Trackhouse Racing co-owner Justin Marks is renowned for his big-picture thinking. With the potential for a significant expansion on the horizon, let's delve into the details of what lies ahead for Project 91.
Project 91: Not Dead, Just on a Hiatus
Project 91, the open car that graced the tracks in 2022 and 2023, holds a special place in Trackhouse Racing's history. Shane van Gisbergen's victory in the inaugural Chicago Street Race with this car was a momentous event. Kimi Raikkonen also made his mark by participating a few times. As Brad Gillie discovered during Race Industry Week, Project 91 is far from being forgotten. Marks emphasized, "It’s certainly – Project 91 is certainly not dead. I would expect to see that on the racetrack sooner rather than later." This shows the commitment to bringing this unique project back to the forefront.The 2024 season saw a different focus for Trackhouse Racing as they prepared a third car for Shane van Gisbergen and assisted him at Kaulig. However, now that they are centered on their three full-time cars for the next year, Project 91 can make a comeback. Marks sees a wealth of opportunities with this project. He constantly receives calls from some of the world's greatest drivers expressing their interest in being a part of it. This indicates the allure and potential of Project 91.Shane van Gisbergen's Impact
Shane van Gisbergen's performance in Project 91 demonstrated its capabilities. His success in the Chicago Street Race was a testament to the car's potential. It's no surprise that Marks wants to build on this success. Even with Kimi Raikkonen's participation, there were moments of promise in the car, despite the finishes not always reflecting it. This shows the diverse talent that can be showcased in Project 91.Trackhouse Racing was founded with a clear vision, and every driver fits seamlessly into the organization's culture. This is expected to translate into on-track results. Now, the question remains: who should be the next driver in the 91 car? The possibilities are endless, and the anticipation is building.The Potential for Growth
The return of Project 91 could bring significant growth to Trackhouse Racing. It offers a platform for new stars to emerge and for the team to showcase their capabilities on a larger scale. With the interest from top drivers around the world, Trackhouse Racing has the opportunity to create a truly global presence.Moreover, the success of Project 91 can attract more partnerships and sponsorships. The car has already proven to be a draw, and with the right driver and strategy, it can become a major force in NASCAR. This could lead to increased resources and opportunities for the entire team.In conclusion, Project 91 is set to make a comeback, and the future looks bright for Trackhouse Racing. With the right approach and the right driver, this project could reach new heights and solidify Trackhouse Racing's place in the NASCAR world.