Justin Marks Refuses to Rule Out Max Verstappen’s Potential NASCAR Debut in Project 91 Chevy

One of the major contributions from Justin Marks’ Trackhouse Racing in the Next-Gen era has been Project 91. The initiative opened the doors for international drivers from different disciplines a shot at racing in the Cup Series. Their first driver ever, Shane van Gisbergen won his debut race and has now become one of the sports superstars.

Since then, they have given seats to the likes of Kimi Räikkönen, Kevin Magnussen and Hélio Castroneves. One name many motorsports’ fans expect to join the list is the four times F1 world champion Max Verstappen, who is sponsored by Red Bull, one of Trackhouse’s partners. Hall of Famer Kevin Harvick asked about this to Marks on the latest episode of Speed with Harvick and Buxton podcast.

So, you’ve got Red Bull, and you’ve got this Project 91 car, I mean do we have any chance of Verstappen? He wants to drive anything but an F1 car, it seems. Is there any chance we can make that happen?

Kevin Harvick asked Justin Marks.

The veteran team owner/driver pointed out that it’s going to be challenging undertaking, considering the difference in the car as well as the power unit. There are also brand conflicts, considering Justin Marks’ Trackhouse is a Ford team while Max Verstappen driver Ford Powertrains in the Formula One. But one key factor that gives hope is the fact that the legend is open to attempting Cup.

Well, they’ve got to get a different power unit in that F1 car for that to happen. We’ve got there’s brand conflicts and all that stuff, but I mean it’s certainly on his radar.

Justin Marks responded via Speed with Harvick and Buxton.

Further talking about the point, Marks highlighted how he has had conversation with the entourage of the racing legend with the help of Red Bull, as they are part of their ecosystem. He admitted that a Cup start for Verstappen wont happen any time soon, as the schedule is too challenging but asserted that it can happen in the future, when the Dutchman is ready to explore.

I mean, like through kind of the Red Bull ecosystem, like we’ve had those conversations. And you know that’s a guy that wants to go do all different types of racing. I think right now it’s tough to do that, but I certainly wouldn’t count it out for the future.

Justin Marks added.

Justin Marks gives an update on Connor Zilisch future

On his latest interview with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, the veteran also talked about the future of his driver Connor Zilisch, who is wanted by many in the garage including Hendrick Motorsports who will replace Alex Bowman in 2028. Marks highlighted that the conversation over a new deal will start soon and they are bracing for the possibility of losing the youngster after his contract runs out in 2027.

When it comes time to talk about the future, we’ll have that conversation with him knowing that he’s a highly sought-after driver. I think those conversations around him probably want to start sooner rather than later, and it’s our job to present ourselves as a place that he wants to be. If that happens, he’ll be at Trackhouse for a while into the future. If something different happens, then that’s the way it goes. We’ll go on and try to be the best we can be.

Justin Marks said.

The comments from the racer are on point, as there is a high chance that they would have to let the driver go if they can’t give him cars capable of winning races. It would be interesting to see how the upcoming years is going to playout for Trackhouse and Zilisch, who is considered to be NASCAR most prominent driver.

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