If you just look at the finishing order, Kevin Magnussen finishing P27 in his debut isn't big news. That sounds about right. He ran every lap, kept his car clean, and even had a moment or two with other drivers on the track.
While Magnussen's No. 91 Trackhouse Racing Chevy was in the back of the pack, the former F1 driver recorded the fastest lap of the race. With only a few laps to go, Magnussen ripped a lap roughly 8-tenths quicker than the next best time.
The fact that Kevin Magnussen learned enough to earn the Xfinity Fastest Lap speaks volumes. It might be enough to have Trackhouse bring him back for another race.
Things could have been better in Magnussen's debut. However, finishing the race and making all the laps is a good start. The fact he was able to lay down such a fast lap, and did it from the back of the field, shows that he learned a lot behind the wheel throughout the race, and might be even better the next time he tries his hand at the Cup Series.
Project 91 has brought drivers back in the past. It is not clear if Magnussen wants to come back to NASCAR. He has already made at least one enemy in the Cup Series - Noah Gragson.
Noah Gragson confronted Kevin Magnussen after the race. The two exchanged a number of heated words as they argued about what happened out on the track. Magnussen didn't seem remorseful for spinning Gragson out and ending his day. So, maybe Gragson will keep an eye out for KMag in the future.
It was a physical and difficult race throughout the field. The track itself was physical and treacherous to traverse. A long race on a challenging track can get the best of even the most experienced racers. It seems that Gragson and Magnussen found their limits with each other.