At 50th AGPLB, Kirkwood Chases Palou’s Pace In 2025 NTT INDYCAR Season

Three-time champ Kyle Kirkwood showcases his versatility, with titles in USF2000 (2018), USF Pro 2000 (2019), and INDY NXT (2021). Beyond INDYCAR, he co-drives the No. 14 Lexus for Vasser Sullivan Racing in IMSA endurance events. Off the track, Kirkwood’s relentless drive shines through his rigorous training and commitment to growth. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal (2025)

At 50th AGPLB, Kirkwood Chases Palou’s Pace In 2025 NTT INDYCAR Season

Kyle Kirkwood has started the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season on a high note with Andretti Global, sitting sixth in the standings. He’s part of an elite group - alongside Alex Palou, Scott Dixon, Christian Lundgaard, Felix Rosenqvist, and Alexander Rossi - as one of only six drivers to achieve top-10 finishes in both races so far. 

With a fifth-place result at St. Petersburg and an eighth-place finish following, Kirkwood’s performances are commendable. Yet, the 26-year-old admits to feeling the pressure of chasing Alex Palou, the three-time champion who has swept both races this season and is gunning for a third straight title.

The No. 27 Andretti Global Chili's Honda exits the Pitlane on the required single-stint soft compound Alternate REDS. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal (2025)

In a recent press conference, Kirkwood addressed the challenges of climbing the order when qualifying doesn’t go as planned. Reflecting on his St. Pete run - where he turned a ninth-place start into a fifth-place finish - he outlined two key strategies for success from mid-pack: “You either go off strategy or you have a ton of pace and are able to run by people.” He pointed to examples like Dixon’s fuel-saving masterclass from a deep starting spot last year or Palou’s strategic brilliance from eighth this season.

“There’s a multitude of things you can do to get yourself back up front,” Kirkwood said, though he emphasized the simplest path: “Ultimately, you just want to qualify up front and stay up front.”

Kirkwood also discussed the interplay between the hybrid system’s regen energy and push-to-pass, which he sees as distinct tools. “The hybrid is essential - you have to use it every lap,” he explained, contrasting it with push-to-pass, an optional boost he reserves for critical moments like overtakes or pit strategy. Heading into the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, a track where Honda-powered cars have an edge, he weighed in on passing opportunities, particularly around the tricky Turn 7 on Pine Avenue.

“You can make a pass happen there,” he noted, though it requires aggression and the right setup - preferably later in the race.

As Kirkwood prepares for Long Beach, his focus is clear: sharpen qualifying and seize every chance to close the gap on Palou’s commanding lead. With the season still young, the Andretti Global driver is determined to turn solid starts into statement wins.

... notes from The EDJE

FULL ZOOM Call Press Conference HERE >>>

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