Magnussen would relish NASCAR chance

©Haas

As he attempts to break through the ranks of Formula 1, Kevin Magnussen is already thinking about life after Grand Prix racing and a possible venture in NASCAR.

Obviously, as a member of the Haas F1 Team, the Dane is aware of the existence of a sister team owned by boss Gene Haas which races in the mega popular US series.

As he visited the team's North Carolina headquarters this week, Magnussen popped in to the workshops of Stewart-Haas Racing located next door to take a look around.

"It’s very old-school racing but then extremely high-technology as well," Magnussen said of the NASCAR operation.

"There’s just as much science behind those cars as our cars, but still it’s very different."

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As he sat behind the wheel of one of the team's big bore machines, Magnussen's mind wondered off, but F1 team manager Guenther Steiner quickly snapped the driver back to reality.

"It’s definitely something I’d like to have a go at one day," Magnussen said however.

"I’m in a great place right now. I have a really great opportunity to take myself to an even better place with Haas. So, I’m just really grateful for the opportunity I have right now.

"Formula 1 is my only focus. But I’m a passionate motorsports fan as well, so NASCAR or any other form of motorsport, turns me on."

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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.