Kyle Kirkwood Takes Victory from Pole in Long Beach
Last Updated on April 14, 2025 by WWTR
Kyle Kirkwood comes out victorious in Long Beach for the second time. Photo by Joe Skibinski (INDYCAR Media)
LONG BEACH, Calif. (April 14, 2025) – Kyle Kirkwood took the checkered flag for the second time in Long Beach at the 50th Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 13, 2025. In the No. 27 PreFab Honda of Andretti Global, Kirkwood turned his pole position into the win, ending Chip Ganassi Racing driver Alex Palou’s two-race win streak.
After claiming pole position in qualifying, Kirkwood capitalized throughout the race, which remained green for all 90 laps. The Florida native led a race-high of 46 laps.
“This was a flawless weekend for myself, for the team, for the crew, for everyone involved,” said Kirkwood. “When you have flawless weekends like this, you tend to win. This is a big step in the right direction. I know coming into this event, this was our time to turn things around. Fortunately, we were able to get it done.”
This win in Long Beach ended Kirkwood’s 23-race winless streak, as his last win was in Nashville in 2023. Beating Palou pushed Kirkwood up to second in the standings, just 34 points behind the three-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES Champion.
While Kirkwood prevailed in Long Beach, Palou finished second and Arrow McLaren’s Christian Lundgaard came in third after starting in 12th. Lundgaards late-race pass on Felix Rosenqvist of Meyer Shank Racing with five laps left secured the final podium spot and pushed the Dane up to third in the championship standings.
Lundgaard advanced nine positions and lead 26 laps, but it was AJ Foyt Racing’s Santino Ferrucci who improved the most after he moved 16 positions from starting last (27th) to finish 11th. While Ferrucci had the biggest improvement, Team Penske’s Will Power also made his way through the pack eight places to lead the Team Penske drivers.
Scott McLaughlin followed behind Power as he remained in sixth from his qualifying position to final position. However, the third Penske of Newgarden faced troubles with his seat belt, which resulted in longer pit stops and a last place finish.
While Long Beach may not have been ideal for Newgarden, the track where he holds five wins is coming up in just two months as The Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at World Wide Technology Raceway approaches on June 15. The Bommarito Automotive Group 500 is not just a race this year, it is also paired with the Celebration of 66 Fest presented by Discover Downstate Illinois which brings headliners of Soul Asylum, Sponge and Cracker.
To purchase tickets for the Bommarito Automotive Group 500, please visit our website at wwtraceway.com or call the ticket office at (618) 215-8888 Ext. 1.
About World Wide Technology Raceway
World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) is the home of NASCAR, INDYCAR and NHRA racing in St. Louis’ Metro East region. Located just five minutes from downtown St. Louis and covering more than 700 acres, WWTR is the largest outdoor entertainment facility in the area. WWTR’s facilities include a 1.25-mile superspeedway; 1/4-mile drag strip; 2.0-mile road course; the Gateway Kartplex state-of-the-art karting facility; and the adjacent Gateway National Golf Links. WWTR and Owner & CEO Curtis Francois have been recognized with several awards, including: 2023 St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame induction; 2023 Innovation in Philanthropy Award by the St. Louis Business Journal; 2022 Explore St. Louis Hospitality Hero Recognition; 2022 Best in Show and Best Event & Festival from the Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism; 2021 Comcast Community Champion of the Year; 2021 Jack Buck Award; 2020 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Track Award; 2018 Innovator Award from the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission; 2017 Outstanding Facility of the Year Award from the Race Track Business Conference; and the 2017 Spirit of St. Louis Award from the St. Louis Attractions Association. Our mission: We are committed to making a difference in our community, while providing first-class entertainment and memories that last a lifetime.
MEDIA CONTACT: Payton Buschhorn | pbuschhorn@wwtraceway.com | (314) 517-5125 (cell)
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