“I suspect he’s not going to be able to resist a little bit of NASCAR.” An F1 commentator said these words about Daniel Ricciardo, the 8-time Grand Prix winner who Red Bull showed the exit for in 2025. The stellar open-wheel racer had no dearth of offers, though. Ricciardo’s interests range from wheeling stock cars around oval circuits to maneuvering motorbikes for MotoGP. However, the former possibility may have turned into a reality, with new developments in NASCAR.

Project91 was Justin Marks’ way of wooing international speedsters to NASCAR. The venture achieved a different level of success after Shane van Gisbergen stunned NASCAR fans by clinching his debut Cup race victory in Chicago. Now, Marks has dropped hints about roping in more stars – and fans are rooting for Ricciardo.

American gates opening for Daniel Ricciardo

Trackhouse Racing introduced Project91 back in 2022. Its idea was fascinating, as Justin Marks embarked upon forging bountiful relationships with internationally renowned drivers. First, F1 champion Kimi Raikkonen forayed into Cup Series racing at Watkins Glen. But the appearance of a 3-time Supercars champion on the grid uplifted the scenario greatly. Shane van Gisbergen oozed gold since his Chicago win, and during his 2024 full-time NASCAR Xfinity season, he picked up three road-course victories. Now he is on his way to a successful full-time Cup Series ride with Trackhouse teammates Daniel Suarez and Ross Chastain.

This thumping success inspired Justin Marks to take Project91 a notch upward, which should be music for Daniel Ricciardo’s ears. During the Race Industry Week session, he tipped his hat to the achievements so far: “We did this deal and turned it from an amazing one-off or two-off, great little program in Project91 and turning into a real thing in the sport… I think that’s really fun and one that’s resonated with a lot of people.” Marks added on future global driver prospects: “I get phone calls all the time from some of the greatest drivers around the world about coming and doing it. That’s really exciting for us.”

After a successful 2024, Marks dropped his verdict: “Project91 is certainly not dead. I would expect to see that on the race track sooner rather than later. What I love about it is… it’s like our first Project91 graduate.” This declaration just added an edge of reality to Daniel Ricciardo‘s dream “to drive around Daytona.”

Marks continued that the only reason Project91 was off the charts in 2024 was staying busy with SVG’s career. But now that his full-time Cup ride is confirmed with Trackhouse, Ricciardo’s wish may set in motion. “But now as we’re kind of just focused again on our three cars next year full time, then Project91 can come back. I would expect to see it sooner rather than later.”

While Marks may not be revealing anything concrete, F1 commentator Alex Jacques, speaking on the Formula for Success podcast, gave his view on Ricciardo’s NASCAR dream, saying, “He’s a massive NASCAR fan. He really does appreciate it and loves that.” He also noted that Ricciardo is more likely to compete on road courses if he does make the switch, adding, “I think Daniel Ricciardo turning up… I’m not sure he’s going to do the ovals, but like, they race at Watkins Glen, they race on the streets of Chicago.” Ricciardo’s intentions seem set and fans are excited about this prospect, however, the lack of confirmation does act as a buzz-kill.

Fans are not satisfied, as they want to hear something definite from Marks.

NASCAR fans root for F1 star’s entry

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After all, Daniel Ricciardo has made no secret of his love for NASCAR. The Grand Prix expert previously drove Dale Earnhardt Sr.‘s 1984 Monte Carlo Chevrolet at the US GP in 2021. He grew up idolizing The Intimidator and has drawn appreciation from Dale Jr. for holding the latter’s family in high regard. Now, which NASCAR fan would not be convinced by a 15-time Most Popular Driver’s opinion? Fans are manifesting Ricciardo’s NASCAR entry soon. “Personally, I think we will see Ricciardo in a Cup car at some point in 2025,” somebody wrote. Another fan slipped in their own take, reasoning Ricciardo’s age should not be a factor. “I hope so. 35 isn’t old by NASCAR standards at all. He has plenty of time to learn oval racing and compete for wins.”

People are also getting impatient with Marks’s hollow promises. The Perth native lost a 13-year-old F1 seat in Redbull soon after the Singapore GP. Although the Austrian outfit said it would want Daniel Ricciardo as its ambassador, fans would like to see him race. So the NASCAR community chided Marks for not making a clear decision. “Or it may not. It could return next year. It could never return. Thanks for telling us nothing, Justin,” a fan wrote. Marks’ words resonated with NASCAR’s executives when the latter did not raise horsepower just to attract a 4th OEM. So somebody else wrote, “Hey, That’s the same thing NASCAR says when someone asks if a 4th manufacturer is joining!”

However, what awaits in NASCAR for Daniel Ricciardo is more than exciting. Project91’s previous endeavor turned to gold. Within less than two years of debuting and winning a Cup race, SVG is already gearing up for a full-time ride. So Marks’ positive remarks about reviving his venture would be a good update for Ricciardo. One fan wrote as much: “By God that’s Daniel Ricciardo’s music.”

Evidently, a NASCAR-F1 crossover is again on the cards. With Ricciardo’s presence becoming a stark possibility, we cannot wait for 2025 to roll into view.