Tag: Kyle Kirkwood

Arlington Recap- Kirkwood’s Pace Overcomes Pit Stop Issues

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The king of the streets has returned. Kyle Kirkwood used the blistering he showed on Saturday to pass Alex Palou on lap 55 to win the inaugural java House Grand Prix of Arlington. The win was the sixth of Kirkwood’s fairly young career. Five of the victories coming on street courses.

It was not an easy victory as Kirkwood had issues on two pit stops. A loose wheel nut rolled in front of Kirkwood’s car as left on his second stop, turning the nut into a missile which ricocheted off of the pit wall. His final stop was 9.5 seconds, nearly two seconds slower than Palou’s simultaneous stop as the right rear tire was slow getting on.

Kirkwood quickly brought the deficit down and made a brilliant pass in turn 13 to overtake the reigning series champion. Kirkwood expanded the lead to more than thre seconds before a caution for Christian Rasmussen slowed the field on lap 68. Kirkwood pulled away on the restart to begin the final lap as the yellow flew again Roman Grosjean and Nolan Siegel collided.

Thoughts

Will Power bounced back from his troubles during the first two weekends with a strong third place finish. Sunday was the first session in which he did not make contact with the wall or another car. Power led 16 laps, the same number of laps that both Palou and Kirkwood led.

In addition to Kirkwood’s pit woes, Andretti teammates Power and Marcus Ericsson also had difficulties in the pits. Ericsson finished fourth. The pace of the Andretti cars allowed them to overcome their long stops. Pit work cost Colton Herta a couple of races over the last two years. If the team can improve their service work, Andretti can be a consistent contender.

Phoenix was a tough act to follow, but I thought Arlington produced a good race. Several tire strategies were in play, and there were fights for the lead and some battles further back in the field. A pass for the lead with less than 20 laps remaining is always a good look.

The long street course with a wide surface helped produce the good racing. It was nice to see a street course with room to maneuver. From what I saw, the event was a huge success.

Teams on the Rise

Meyer Shank Racing and ECR are showing signs of gaining strength and being in the mix all season. Had Felix Rosenqvist not jumped the restart at the end, Meyer Shank was looking at having both cars finish in the top 10. Marcus Armstrong ended the day 10th, and Rosenqvist was in fifth before his penalty.

ECR saw both Alexander Rossi and Christian E=Rasmussen qualify in the top 10. Rossi came home ninth Sunday. Rasmussen ended last after his crash on lap 68. Rasmussen led most of the way last weekend at Phoenix before his incident with Power. Rossi has two consecutive top 10 finishes.

FOX

Some questions about the broadcast:

Will we ever get a live pit stop timer?

Can the network show a little more flexibility with commercial breaks? Yesterday ads were so frequent and ill timed that I thought there would be a commercial break when the leader got to turn 10 on the last lap. Full screen commercials late in the race were especially annoying.

Fast Six Shootout

I talked about the shootout Saturday in my post

Ericsson Takes Arlington Pole

A Welcome Break, then on to Barber

The series takes a short break next weekend before heading to Barber Motorsports Park.

The first three races have produced three different winners from three different teams and three different pole winners from two different teams. In 2025 IndyCar did not see a third different winner until Mid Ohio in July. I hope this competitive diversity continues.

A different driver has led the championship each week. It’s nice to see the title in doubt.

Qualifying Groups Set After Wild Practice 2

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Photo by Chris Jones, Penske entertainment

Kyle Kirkwood served notice that he is still the King of the Streets, leading today’s prequalifying practice period.

This morning’s Java House Grand Prix of Arlington practice 2 was not the smoothest of sessions. Red flags abounded, including one for a collision between Scott Dixon and Will Power.

Dixon spun, and he was backing his car up to turn around when Power rounded the blind corner and collided with he six time champion. The aftermath was much milder than their collision at road America in 2024. Still, it was Power’s fourth incident of the young season. Both cars were able to make repairs and return to the track.

Power finished with the fourth best lap while Dixon ended up 15th.

Josef Newgarden made contact with the right, sustaining damage which prevented his return to action. Newgarden, Friday’s leader, settled for 12th in practice.

As the green flag waved to start the first group portion of the session, the red flag came out as cars reached pit exit. Servers had somehow rolled a catering cart out onto the track at pit out. I’m sure this was a first year event issue, but how access even got to that point is puzzling.We have a new definition of fast food.

Qualifying begins at 2:30 pm Eastern on FS2.

Results

Andreti Global Signs Kirkwood to Multi-Year Extension

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From Andretti Global:

INDIANAPOLIS (November 3, 2025) – Andretti Global announced today that five-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES winner Kyle Kirkwood has signed a multi-year contract extension to remain with the team. Kirkwood will continue to pilot the No. 27 Andretti Honda for the 2026 INDYCAR season. 

Since joining Andretti in 2023, Kyle Kirkwood has delivered five wins, three poles and six podiums, leading more than 300 laps. His breakout 2025 season — highlighted by a Long Beach sweep, back-to-back wins in Detroit and his first oval victory at World Wide Technology Raceway — reflects the blueprint of performance and progression driving Andretti forward. 

A former INDY NXT by Firestone Champion with Andretti, Kirkwood remains the only driver to capture titles in all three development series (USF2000, USF Pro 2000 and INDY NXT) in consecutive years. His trajectory embodies the team’s framework for sustained success, built on focus, discipline and a shared drive to elevate Andretti’s competitive and connected future. 

Under the TWG Motorsports umbrella, Andretti Global continues to strengthen its INDYCAR program with a focus on performance, innovation and long-term driver development. Kirkwood’s extension is central to that vision in retaining talent and consistency to embody the competitive spirit that defines both organizations. As a proven race winner and rising star within the Andretti lineup, Kirkwood represents the next generation of leadership on track, anchoring the team’s pursuit of championships while reflecting TWG’s broader commitment to cultivating excellence across its global motorsports platform. 

Kirkwood will join INDYCAR veteran and recently announced teammate Will Power and Indianapolis 500 Champion Marcus Ericsson for the 2026 INDYCAR season, kicking off with the season opener on the Streets of St. Petersburg on Feb. 27.   

JILL GREGORY, PRESIDENT, ANDRETTI GLOBAL  

“Kyle represents exactly what we strive for across TWG Motorsports and Andretti Global. His blueprint for success has made him a key part of our INDYCAR lineup defined by talent, tenacity and a relentless drive to win. Kyle’s growth and ambition reflect the strength of Andretti Global and our commitment to developing world-class competitors on and off the track.” 

KYLE KIRKWOOD, DRIVER, ANDRETTI GLOBAL  

“These are very exciting times for myself, Andretti Global and TWG Motorsports. I’d first like to thank the entire team and especially Dan Towriss and Jill Gregory for putting their trust in me. We’ve had an amazing three years together and our future together is very bright. We have proven to be true contenders, and most recently, Championship contenders. Our trajectory has only been up, and I am confident that we will be fighting again for championships. Between the new shop, leadership, teammates and the many evolving factors within the organization, I believe this team is an absolute powerhouse, and we’re so excited for the journey ahead.” 

### 

About Andretti Global 

Andretti Global, part of the TWG Motorsports umbrella, is a leading racing organization competing in INDYCAR, INDY NXT and Formula E. With more than 300 race wins, multiple series championships and decades of success across premier racing categories, Andretti Global is built on a legacy of innovation, teamwork and competitive spirit. The team continues to push performance forward while representing the best of American motorsport on the world stage. Learn more at AndrettiGlobal.com. 
 

About TWG Motorsports 

TWG Motorsports is the motorsports entity of TWG Global, unifying a robust racing portfolio across the world’s biggest stages in Formula 1®, INDYCAR, Formula E, IMSA, and NASCAR. With strategic partnerships that include General Motors on the Cadillac Formula 1® Team and ownership of Andretti Global, Wayne Taylor Racing and Spire Motorsports, TWG Motorsports combines deep technical expertise, proven competitive excellence and industry-leading business acumen. TWG Motorsports is committed to innovating, growing and winning at the highest levels of the sport. Learn more at TWGMotorsports.com. 

Toronto Practice 1

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Low grip and bumps were the main concerns for drivers in Practice 1 for the Ontario Honda Dealers Toronto Indy. Kyle Kirkwood led the practice session after Will Power led the way in the all car portion and his group. Nine drivers turned laps under 62 seconds.

It appears as if the race is trending toward running primary tires as the preferred rubber in what should be a three stop race.

Results

Mid Ohio Practice 1

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Kyle Kirkwood posted the fastest lap of the day in Group 1 of Practice 1 for the Honda Indy 200 at Mid Ohio. Will Power led the all car group, and Josef Newgarden led Group 2.

“We’re really fast right now,” Kirkwood said. “As long as we continue that, we’ll be in a really good spot. We’ve come here this year with maybe a different philosophy, and it seems to be working out.”

Red flags in the 40 minute session- David Malukas backed into the tire barrier in turn9 and broke his suspension. He was seen and released in the medical center. Malukas did not return for group practice.

Colton Herta spun and made contact with the wall in turn 6 to end the session. He served his 5 minute penalty during his group session.

Felix Rosenqvist came to a stop two minutes into Group 2 practice.

In the post practice press conference, Will Power and Colton Herta complained of other drivers backing up and costing them a lap. Both drivers are uncertain as to whether the change to turn 4 will affect passing.

Results

Nothing New at the Front

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Kyle Kirkwood turned the fastest lap in today’s only practice session for Sunday’s XPel GP at Road America. Kirkwood edged Devlin deFrancesco by0.1533 seconds and Will Power by 0.1914 seconds. Kirkwood has won the last two races, but he faces a stiff challenge from the Team Penske cars this weekend. All three Chevy powered drivers were within three tenths of a second or less of Kirkwood.

Two red flags interrupted practice. Santino Ferrucci went off course and needed a tow in. With less than five minutes remaining Alexander Rossi sopun in turn 1 and ended up in the sand trap. Less than a minute remained when the green was thrown.

In a post practice media availability Newgarden showed no ill effects from his crash at Gateway last Sunday. he attributed it to bad timing.

“I had nowhere to go,” he said.

Newgarden said that if fans want to see what an IndyCar can do, IMS and Road America are the two tracks that show the performance of the cars.

Notes

Team Penske cars looked very strong, finishing today third, fourth, and sixth.

The new bridge is very nice and much safer than the old tunnel. I have said since my first trip here in2016 that the tunnel was dangerous and needed to be either all pedestrians or all vehicles. It is now pedestrians only.

Heatb will be a factor tomorrow and Sunday. Some teams had hybrid issues in the heat at Thermal. Both Newgarden and Felix Rosenqvist don does not anticipate any issues this weekend.

Results

That will do it for me for today. Thanks for following along. I’ll be back tomorrow with morning practice results and qualifying groups. All sessions are on FS1 tomorrow.

Bommarito 500 Thoughts- Racing as it Should Be

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Penske Entertainment photo

What can IndyCar do for an encore? It will be difficult to top last night’s Bommarito 500 at World Wide Technology Raceway. Fast paced, battles for the lead, fights for position, wild accidents, and a winner in doubt until the end- not much more a race fan can ask for over two plus hours.

In the end, Kyle Kirkwood won his first career oval race and second race in a row, keeping Honda’s winning streak alive and the 2025 winners count at two.

On Saturday, all signs pointed to Chevy and Team Penske ending their season long droughts. Will Power won the pole, and teammate Scott McLaughlin joined him on the front row. Chevy powered cars occupied the first five spots.

McLaughlin’s stall as the grid rolled off pit lane was a harbinger of the woes awaiting Team Penske. Power suffered a tire failure on lap 4 and did a masterful job crab walking the car back to the pits. Josef Newgarden appeared to have full command of the race until he hit the sliding car of Louis Foster, flipping upside down and sliding down the front stretch. McLaughlin retired with 44 laps to go with a mechanical issue.

It has been that type of season for Team Penske. In eight races the team has just two podium spots, no wins, and two poles.

It Was Malukas’ Night Until…

David Malukas shot to the lead at the start and led the first 51 laps. He led two other times until a pit lane penalty cost him three spots in the restart order. He grazed the wall on lap 196, ending his strongest chance for his first victory.

Notes

There is so much to talk about.

Conor Daly once again looked to be in line for the win, but faded to 6th. Junco Hollinger has looked very solid in the first two ovals of the season.

Rinus VeeKay has raised the bar at Dale Coyne Racing. His seventh place finish is his third top 10 finish in 2025.

Christian Rasmussen overcame a fire under his car as he left the pits, fought his way through the field twice, and brought home his first career podium for ECR. Definitely Driver of the Race.

Robert Shwartzman earned his first career top 10 result for PREMA. The team has exceeded expectations in their first year in IndyCar. Callum Ilott had a chance to win the race. If the rain had come 10 minutes earlier, we may be talking about an improbable winner today.

Why did the yellow light take six seconds to come on after Foster slammed the outside wall? The late yellow may have prevented Newgarden from crashing into Foster, or at last made the impact less severe. The yellow flashed immediately when Malukas just grazed the wall and kept going. The slow response was unacceptable.

I cannot thank Dallara, the aeroscreen, the roll hoop, and the AMR safety team enough. The safety of these cars and the way they protect the drivers continues to amaze me.

Kyle Kirkwood is finally emerging as the driver I thought he would be when he entered IndyCar. He knows how to win, and I don’t think he is done winning yet this year.

If last night’s race proved anything, it’s that IndyCar needs to race on more ovals, and at night as often as possible. I’m hoping the Saturday race at Iowa can be moved to as night race, and that the finale at Nashville Superspeedway can shift its start time as well. IndyCar at night produces the best racing and it looks great in person and on television.

Quick Thoughts- Detroit GP

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Andretti Redemption Week continues as Kyle Kirkwood wins the Grand Prix of Detroit. The win, coupled with Colton Herta’s pole on Saturday, eases some of the pain from their disqualifications at last Sunday’s Indianapolis 500.

Kirkwood said that this entire week had all the emotions a driver feels through a season.

“The lows make the highs that much better,” Kirkwood said.

Alex Palou is human after all. After spending much of the race in the bottom half of the top 10, the points leader and winner of the 500 had his ay end early when David Malukas bumped Palou from behind, sending him into the tire barrier on lap 72. Malukas was penalized for the contact.

The Grand Prix of Detroit was arguably the best race so far this year. The start was clean, and all =cars got through the hairpin. Cars were able to pass, cautions were spread out, and there were alternate pit strategies. The race saw a pass for the win on lap 79 as well as other passes for the lead. Today was the first time I actually enjoyed watching a race at this track.

A. J. Foyt Racing appears to have become competitive again. David Malukas finished second in the 5400 and started on the front row today. Santino Ferrucci has a shot at victory today and finished second. It is nice to see this team mixing it up with the big four again. I think they could get a win this year.

Meanwhile woes at Rahal letterman Lanigan continue. Graham Rahal made the Fast Six, although an engine penalty caused him to start 11th. Rahal and teammates Devlin DeFrancesco and Louis Foster all had wheel issues. Rahal was running at the finish, but DeFrancesco and Foster retired, Foster in a horrific crash when his right front suspension broke.

FOX

I thought the broadcast was decent, but I still don’t know why the network can’t have a pit stop timer. I felt the post-race coverage was skimpy- just three brief interviews and no podium celebration.

I do not recall a season other than 1964, which had fewer, where there have been just two different winners after seven races.

Thanks for following along this wee3kend. I am going to lay low for a couple of days and have something up around midweek.

Practice 1 at Detroit

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Kyle Kirkwood led the opening round of practice for the Grand prix of Detroit despite some damage to the rear of his car from an incident with Will Power.

Kirkwood slowed for a turn to crate a gap. Power ran into the back of Kirkwood’s car, then continued to push the Andretti driver until Kirkwood was pushed aside.

Each driver stated their case.

“I don’t know,” Kirkwood said. “Everyone goes slow around here. The track’s not big enough to fit all the cars, and he got frustrated. Whatever, I guess. I’m not upset. I don’t care. We’re P1.”

Said Power: “I came around, and he slowed up in the middle and made contact. So, I thought, ‘Well, I may as well get a gap now,’ so I just pushed him past the car in front, just moved him out of the way and got a really nice gap.”

It sounds as if the two drivers think this incident is over. I think Power should receive some type of penalty like not participating in part of tomorrow morning’s practice.

Indianapolis 500 winner Alex Palou was 15th fastest.

Following Kirkwood, who’s best lap was 1:01.7509, were the three Penske cars of Scott McLaughlin, Will Power, and Josef Newgarden in that order.

The next IndyCar practice is at 9 am Eastern time tomorrow. Practice and qualifying are on FS1.

Notes

I love the look of Jacob Abel’s car this weekend. I am a sucker for car numbers in circles/

Pato O’Ward said that the hybrid has produced “zero benefit” to IndyCar racing. I will have some thought s on that later this weekend.

Results