Magnussen to head to the US for Ganassi IMSA gig

©Haas

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Kevin Magnussen is set to reorient his motorsport career towards the US where the Dane will race with Chip Ganassi Racing in the 2021 IMSA Sportscar Championship.

Magnussen was ousted along with teammate Romain Grosjean from Haas 2021 F1 plans as the US outfit is set to entrust its cars to rookies Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin.

After weighing his options for next season, Magnussen has opted to put a roof over his head and race a Cadillac DPi-V.R. in America's premier sportscar series.

Magnussen will join Rolex 24 winner Renger van der Zande at Chip Ganassi Racing.

"If you are in professional racing anywhere in the world, you know the name Chip Ganassi and what it represents in motorsports," said Magnussen.

"Chip has built one of the best racing organisations on and off the track, and you can look back in history and see the tremendous record of success, especially as it relates to sports car racing.

"It's a great opportunity for myself to team up with CGR, Renger and Cadillac. I can't wait to get started, meet the team and begin preparations for the 2021 season."

Read also: Schumacher ready to fill in for Grosjean in Abu Dhabi - if necessary

Van der Zande said he was excited to kick off his 2021 campaign early next year alongside CGR's new recruit.

"One of the things that stood out to me was hearing that as a former driver, Chip always wanted to create and build a team that he would want to drive for," said the Dutchman.

"He has certainly done that, and those results speak for themselves across many series around the world. I think Kevin and I are both excited to say the least, and ready to get the 2021 season started at Daytona."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.