Kyffin Simpson’s Remarkable Progress: Fifth Place Finish in Detroit Grand Prix
Kyffin Simpson, the 20-year-old driver for Chip Ganassi Racing, is making waves in his second season in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. He’s only one spot higher in the standings than last year, but the numbers and race results tell a much more interesting story.
He snagged a career-best fifth-place finish at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix. Twice this season, he’s qualified in the top 10. It’s clear he’s on an upward trajectory.
After seven races in 2025, Simpson’s improvement jumps out. Last year, top-10 qualifying felt out of reach—now he’s done it twice already.
He’s also posted the fastest lap of the race twice, which speaks to both his driving and the car’s setup. That’s no small feat in this field.
Career-Best Finish in Detroit
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The Detroit Grand Prix really stands out for Simpson. He finished fifth—his best result yet.
That race showed off both his skill and the team’s solid strategy. He held his own against some of the toughest drivers out there.
Challenges Faced at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
May at Indianapolis Motor Speedway wasn’t kind to Simpson. A clutch problem kept him from starting the Sonsio Grand Prix, so he ended up in last place.
He also got caught up in a crash on Fast Friday, and then was swept up in Kyle Larson’s accident during the race. All that meant he barely picked up any championship points.
Team Manager’s Perspective
Taylor Kiel, the team manager, said Simpson really deserved a better result, especially on the road course. He pointed out that Simpson’s numbers matched those of his teammate Alex Palou.
But that clutch issue? It ended Simpson’s race before he could even get going. Sometimes, racing just isn’t fair.
Simpson’s still keeping his chin up. He knows the results haven’t always shown how well the team’s performing, but he believes they’re moving in the right direction.
He finished 12th at best in his rookie year. This season, he’s already topped that twice—10th at Long Beach and fifth in Detroit.
Strategic Moves in Detroit
Strategy mattered a lot in Detroit. Simpson started strong and managed to stay in the mix, even after some contact from Kyle Kirkwood.
He made the most of his green tires and kept the car in clean air, which helped him lock in that fifth-place finish.
Comparisons with Fellow Young Drivers
Simpson’s the second-youngest driver in the series, just a few months away from turning 21. Only Nolan Siegel is younger among the full-timers.
Right now, Simpson sits three spots ahead of Siegel in the standings. That says a lot about how quickly he’s finding his footing.
INDY NXT by Firestone Championship Alumni
Simpson isn’t the only one from the 2023 INDY NXT by Firestone championship making noise. Christian Rasmussen, last year’s champ, leads the group, but Simpson is only three points behind him.
It’s a tight race among these up-and-comers, and honestly, it’s exciting to watch.
Improvements and Future Prospects
Team manager Taylor Kiel sees real growth in Simpson’s driving and his approach to racing. He credits the offseason work and the team’s support for helping Simpson level up.
Continued Development
Simpson keeps working on his craft. The main goal is to turn strong showings into steady, solid results.
The team feels good about what’s ahead. They think that, with some grit and smarter planning, Simpson could see even more success in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
If you’re curious about Kyffin Simpson’s season and the bumps along the way, check out the full article on Fox Sports: Fifth in Detroit Proves Kyffin Simpson’s Progress in Second Season.
