Andretti Duo Kirkwood and Herta Aim for Long Beach IndyCar Glory

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is set to be a thrilling spectacle this year. Andretti Global drivers Kyle Kirkwood and Colton Herta are leading the charge from the front row. This prestigious event holds a significant place in IndyCar history. It promises high-octane action as the team aims to secure its first win of the 2025 season. With Alex Palou starting third, the competition is fierce, and the stakes are high.

The Legacy of the Long Beach Grand Prix

The Long Beach Grand Prix is celebrating its 50th anniversary. It is often considered the second most important race on the IndyCar calendar. This race has a rich history, particularly for the Andretti family. Mario Andretti, a legendary figure in motorsports, won the third edition of the race in 1977 when it was part of the Formula 1 calendar. He went on to win three more times in CART, cementing his legacy at this iconic venue.

Andretti Global’s Dominance

Andretti Global has a storied history at Long Beach, with multiple victories over the years. Michael Andretti, Mario’s son, achieved his first major American open-wheel victory here in 1986 and his last in 2002. In the past 14 years, five different Andretti Global drivers have combined to win the race six times, including four of the last six editions. This year’s race sees Kyle Kirkwood and Colton Herta starting from the front row, aiming to continue this legacy of success.

Kyle Kirkwood: A Rising Star

Kyle Kirkwood’s journey in IndyCar has been nothing short of impressive. Two years after securing his first IndyCar pole and victory at the 2023 Long Beach Grand Prix, Kirkwood is once again starting from pole position. This marks his third career IndyCar pole, and he is determined to capitalize on this opportunity. *Kirkwood said, “It’s still early in the championship, but obviously, we want to beat the guy who’s most likely to win the 2025 championship.”*

Team Dynamics and Strategy

Andretti Global’s strategy for the race involves a careful balance of aggression and common sense. The team has yet to secure a win in 2025, despite four top-8 finishes among Kirkwood, Herta, and Marcus Ericsson. Last year in Toronto, Herta and Kirkwood showcased their ability to race each other fairly, with Herta leading from pole and Kirkwood finishing second. This year, they expect to have more freedom to battle each other for the win, within reason.

Colton Herta: A Proven Competitor

Colton Herta, who won the Long Beach Grand Prix in 2021 and secured pole in 2022, is another key player in Andretti Global’s lineup. *Herta remarked, “We tend to come here with good racecars, and I’m glad nothing has changed.”* Herta’s experience and skill make him a formidable competitor, and his starting position alongside Kirkwood sets the stage for an exciting race.

The Challenge Ahead

One of the significant challenges for Kirkwood, Herta, and Ericsson will be managing their race strategy while competing against each other. With Alex Palou starting third and already having two wins in 2025, the pressure is on Andretti Global to perform. *Kirkwood emphasized, “I think here, of course, you don’t take unnecessary risks, but you race your teammates.”*

Alex Palou: The Man to Beat

Alex Palou, the two-time defending series champion and current points leader, is undoubtedly the driver to watch. Starting from third on the grid, Palou has already secured two wins in 2025, showcasing his dominance in the series. His presence adds an extra layer of competition, as Andretti Global aims to outpace him and secure their first win of the season.

The Road to Victory

For Andretti Global, the road to victory at the Long Beach Grand Prix involves a combination of skill, strategy, and teamwork. With Kirkwood and Herta starting from the front row and Ericsson in fifth, the team has a strong chance of securing a podium finish. *Herta noted, “I’m glad Andretti lets us race.”* This emphasizes the team’s philosophy of allowing drivers to compete fairly while prioritizing the team’s overall success.

Conclusion

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is set to be an electrifying event, with Andretti Global’s drivers leading the charge. The team’s rich history at this venue, combined with the talent of Kirkwood, Herta, and Ericsson, sets the stage for a thrilling race.

As they compete against each other and the formidable Alex Palou, the stakes are high, and the excitement is palpable.

For more details on the race and its history, visit the IndyStar article.