Kyle Kirkwood Criticizes Risky Maneuvers in IndyCar Racing
In the world of IndyCar racing, every race feels like a high-stakes battle of skill, strategy, and sheer determination. Recently, Andretti Global driver Kyle Kirkwood opened up about racing in Detroit and the controversial moves that drivers get away with there.
The 26-year-old, who drives the #27 Andretti Global car powered by Honda, made these remarks on the SpeedStreet podcast with Conor Daly and Chase Holden. Kirkwood’s comments came right after his second win of the season at the Detroit Grand Prix, where he overcame some serious hurdles.
Kyle Kirkwood’s Take on Detroit’s Racing Dynamics
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Kirkwood knows the Detroit Grand Prix inside out, and he doesn’t sugarcoat its challenges. The track is narrow, and the slow speeds make it a place where risky moves are almost irresistible.
He pointed out how tight the exits are on certain corners, making it nearly impossible for two cars to go through side by side. That leads to a lot of moments where someone gets knocked out. Kirkwood isn’t a fan of how race control lets this kind of aggressive driving slide.
The Temptation of Risky Moves
For Kirkwood, Detroit’s layout almost dares drivers to try bold, sometimes reckless, overtakes. The slow corners and tight spaces create chances to pass, but those chances can get ugly fast.
He explained that corners like one, four, and five are so tight that two cars just can’t fit, so collisions happen more than they should. Even though race officials allow these maneuvers, Kirkwood thinks they’re turning the race into chaos.
Overcoming Challenges to Secure Victory
Even with all the chaos, Kirkwood pulled off a win—his second this season. He started third but ran into trouble early when Kyffin Simpson clipped him and damaged his front wing.
Still, Kirkwood pushed through. He finished 3.5931 seconds ahead of Santino Ferrucci from A.J. Foyt Racing. That win showed off both his skill and his grit.
A Strong Start to the 2025 Season
This 2025 season has treated Kirkwood well so far. At the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, he qualified ninth and finished fifth.
He also took the win at the 50th anniversary ACURA Grand Prix of Long Beach, starting from pole. His latest victory in Detroit broke Alex Palou’s streak and gave Kirkwood another reason to feel confident.
Championship Aspirations and Realities
Even after these wins, Kirkwood isn’t getting carried away about the championship. He’s in third place with 209 points, trailing Alex Palou by 102.
He says the recent win gives him some hope, but he knows the road ahead is tough. Kirkwood admits it’ll take a lot of strong finishes to catch up and make a real run for the title.
Conclusion
Kyle Kirkwood has some sharp insights into what it really feels like to race in Detroit. He doesn’t just gloss over the gritty parts—he talks openly about the track’s challenges.
Honestly, watching him pull off those recent achievements makes the sport look even more intense. There’s something about his straightforward take that brings out the complexity and thrill of IndyCar.
The season’s far from over, and Kirkwood’s story is definitely one to keep an eye on. If you’re curious for more of his opinions or want the latest on IndyCar, check out the full article on Sportskeeda here.
