LONG BEACH, Calif. — Team owner Michael Andretti scored his first and last IndyCar victories on the streets of Long Beach.
After Sunday’s 48th Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, Andretti got to celebrate with the latest first-time NTT IndyCar Series. It was Andretti Autosport driver Kyle Kirkwood, who started on the pole, led 53 laps and drove to the win in the 85-lap contest over teammate Romain Grosjean.
It was Kirkwood’s first IndyCar Series in his 20th career start, and his first win at Andretti Autosport in just his third start for the team.
Andretti knew he had a tremendous talent in Kyle Kirkwood when he was part of the “Road to Indy” Ladder Series throughout his career.
After one year away from the team when he drove for A.J. Foyt Racing in 2021, Kirkwood took over the No. 27 AutoNation Honda at Andretti Autosport after Alexander Rossi was told he would not be back with the team.
The 24-year-old driver from Jupiter, Florida defeated Grosjean’s Honda by 0.9907-of-a-second. Chip Ganassi Racing driver Marcus Ericsson was third and takes over the points lead in the NTT IndyCar Series.
Andretti Autosport driver Colton Herta was fourth, giving the team three drivers in the top four. Chip Ganassi Racing driver and 2021 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach winner Alex Palou rounded out the top five, giving Honda a sweep of the first five positions.
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Keyword: Kirkwood Secures First Win From The Pole At Long Beach