IMSA: Kevin Magnussen to partner father Jan in Daytona 24 Hours (Update)

As a warm-up for the upcoming Rolex 24, Kevin Magnussen and his father Jan, partnered with American Mark Kvamme in a MDK Motorsports-run Ferrari 488, to earn a P7 finish in the Gulf 12 Hours in Abu Dhabi at the Yas Marina circuit.

Whereas they drove a MDK Motorsports Ferrari this weekend, the trio will pilot an MDK Motorsports Porsche in the Rolex 24.

Speaking ahead of the race, Kevin, who is 19 years younger than his father Jan, said he was looking forward to the event as racing with his dad was “such a special thing.”

“We’re going to get a few laps in the car before going to Abu Dhabi with it. But, of course, it’s something that I’m really excited about,” Magnussen said.

“Racing with my dad is always something that I enjoy a lot. It’s such a special thing that we’re still both active racing drivers at the same time. He’s not that old, so I feel like I have to grab the opportunity, as much as I can, while he’s still in good shape and fast.

“It’s the first time that we’re going to drive in a GT car together and I think he’s going to be pretty hard to beat in that one, but we’ll see!”

The Haas F1 team has approved it and Kevin Magnussen has been confirmed for next month’s Rolex 24 at Daytona, co-driving with his father, Jan as well as Mark Kvamme in MDK Motorsports’ Porsche 911 GT3 R.

The Ohio-based team will field a new Type-992 Porsche in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season opener.

The father-and-son pairing have teamed with Kvamme for this weekend’s Gulf 12 Hours in an AF Corse-run Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo 2020.

“I’m super excited about this,” said Kevin. “The Rolex 24 is legendary, and I have had some fantastic moments there with Chip Ganassi Racing the past two years.

“Being able to do such a race together with my dad is amazing. Again, I cannot thank Mark Kvamme enough for setting this up.”

“I’m so happy that Kevin and I are doing the Rolex 24 together,” said Jan. “After the 24 Hours of Le Mans last year, we hoped there would come more opportunities to do these endurance races together.

“I’m also excited to become a permanent part of MDK Motorsports’ Michelin Endurance Cup campaign.

“It’s been almost three years since my last race in America. In the meantime, I’ve made selected outings in the FIA World Endurance Championship, Porsche Carrera Cup Scandinavia, Le Mans Cup and TCR Denmark.

“However, America has been my second home since I switched from Formula 1 to sports cars in 1999, so I’m looking forward to coming back to IMSA again.”

“Jan is a multiple IMSA winner and champion, and his year-long experience will be one of our strengths in the Michelin Endurance Cup,” said Kvamme.

“With Kevin, a current F1 driver, also joining us for the first race at Daytona, we have already achieved more than we could wish for.

“It’s going to be an exciting year for the team, and I’m very happy about that.”