Ex-Formula 1 driver, multiple Le Mans winner, and Formula 1 “Dad” Jan Magnussen has kicked off a new role with Porsche Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge squad, MDK Motorsports.
MDK owners Mark and Megan Kvamme have enlisted the Danish ace to oversee driver development in both the Porsche Carrera Cup North America and Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama as an advisor, mentor, and coach.
Magnussen’s stunning international career included a record-setting 14 wins from 18 races en route to the 1994 British Formula 3 championship; runner-up in the 1995 ITC championship for DTM cars; stints in both Formula 1 and IndyCar; four victories at Le Mans, four IMSA championship wins and victory in the 24 Hours of Daytona.
His track record as a coach has been equally impressive – guiding his son Kevin all the way to Formula 1. His youngest son Luca also has his sights set on future on-track success – kicking off a successful karting career.
Magnussen first joined forces with Mark Kvamme when the pair drove alongside Jan’s son Kevin in the 2022 Gulf 12 Hour at Abu Dhabi and competed for MDK in the 2023 Daytona 24-hour.
He also oversaw MDK’s “Lady’s Combine” driver development test in December last year.
He will not only bring his extensive knowledge to the MDK squad, but also recent experience aboard Porsche 911 GT3 Cup machinery. Magnussen has contested Porsche Carrera Cup Scandinavia races in the past three seasons.
“This is a completely different phase for my own career, but I am really looking forward to being able to pay it forward for these young drivers and pass on some of the lessons learned from throughout my career,” Magnussen said.
“Mark has big goals for the team and I will be working with the drivers and also guiding the team as they continue to expand in 2024.
“Working with the girls at Sebring last year was the first step in this role, and I really enjoyed it. It was very rewarding helping the drivers get the most out of themselves. It is not just about teaching them how to drive – they are all very fast already – but about becoming the complete package.
“It is how you work with your engineers, your crew, your sponsors and also the mental side of racing. That mental preparation and keeping your emotions in check can be really vital in your success.
“I’ve had a lot of success, but like every racing driver, I’ve also made a lot of mistakes – being able to pass on those lessons learned I think can be very beneficial.”
Magnussen believes his recent experience aboard Porsche 911 GT3 Cup machinery will provide him important insights for the three-car Sprint Challenge and six-car Carrera Cup MDK squad.
“The fact I already have a lot of laps aboard the same car they are driving is very beneficial,” Magnussen said.
“That is the beauty of Porsche Carrera Cup competition. Everywhere you go all around the world, you are in exactly the same car. I know what the car can do and when talking to the drivers, we can really connect because I have been in exactly the same seat as them.”
Mark Kvamme believes adding Magnussen to the MDK management team will pay huge dividends for the Ohio-based squad.
“Jan has had an incredible career, but his calm and measured coaching style is something that our drivers are really going to benefit from,” Kvamme said.
“And when you look at how he has helped Kevin make it all the way to Formula 1 – his demeanor is completely the opposite to the traditional “racing dad.”
“I saw that firsthand when we drove together in Abu Dhabi, and I am really pleased to have him join us this year. I’ve been very fortunate to earn a couple of Am-class wins in Carrera Cup for MDK, we have Sprint Challenge championship trophies to our credit and our team has Pro class wins in Cup as well. Now, having Jan on board is another step toward our goal of fighting for overall Pro-class championship success.”
MDK’s Sprint Challenge squad will contest the opening round of the championship starting today at Sebring before the Carrera Cup squad take over at the famous Florida airfield circuit on Monday for the championship’s pre-season test.
