Kyle Kirkwood Focuses on Wins to Challenge Alex Palou
Kyle Kirkwood is quickly becoming a standout in the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES, but he faces a significant challenge from Alex Palou, who has dominated the early part of the season.
Despite strong performances, Kirkwood feels the pressure of keeping up with Palou, a three-time champion who has already won both races this season.
Currently sixth in the point standings, Kirkwood is determined to close the gap and make a serious bid for the championship.
As the season progresses, his focus is on converting solid finishes into victories, starting with the upcoming Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.
Early Season Performance
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Kyle Kirkwood has shown impressive form in the early stages of the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES. With a fifth-place finish at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and an eighth-place finish at The Thermal Club, he is among the top contenders.
However, Alex Palou’s dominance has set a high bar, making it essential for Kirkwood to push harder to stay competitive.
Chasing the Champion
Alex Palou, with his consecutive championships and victories in the first two races, has established himself as the driver to beat.
Kirkwood acknowledges the challenge, stating that following Palou closely in races has been both motivating and frustrating.
The 48-point deficit to Palou is a significant gap that Kirkwood aims to close by securing wins in the upcoming races.
The Importance of Winning
For Kirkwood, achieving top-10 finishes is not enough. To truly challenge Palou for the Astor Cup, he needs to start winning races.
Drawing from his rich background of winning championships in USF2000, USF Pro 2000, and INDY NXT by Firestone, Kirkwood knows what it takes to be a champion.
His goal is to translate that experience into victories in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
Long Beach: A Crucial Race
The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is a pivotal race for Kirkwood. Not only did he earn his first NTT INDYCAR SERIES victory and NTT P1 Award at this event, but Andretti Global, his team, has a strong track record here.
With four of the last six race winners coming from Andretti Global, the stars seem to be aligning for Kirkwood to make a significant impact this weekend.
Strategic Approach
Kirkwood understands the importance of not letting Palou build an insurmountable lead early in the season.
He emphasizes the need to win races and prevent Palou from getting a head start. This strategic approach is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge throughout the 17-race season.
Embracing Pressure
With a car capable of winning, Kirkwood is aware of the added pressure to deliver.
He embraces this dynamic, noting that having a fast car makes the weekends easier, despite the higher stakes.
The compressed schedule of the Long Beach race weekend, shared with IMSA, adds another layer of complexity, but Kirkwood sees it as an advantage for his No. 27 Honda.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, Kirkwood remains focused on closing the gap to Palou.
The upcoming races, particularly on street courses like Long Beach, Toronto, and Detroit, are seen as opportunities to gain valuable points.
Kirkwood’s confidence in his team’s performance on these tracks fuels his determination to turn the championship tide in his favor.
Final Thoughts
Kyle Kirkwood’s journey in the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES is shaping up to be an exciting one.
With strong early performances and a strategic focus on winning races, he is well-positioned to challenge Alex Palou for the championship.
The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach could be a turning point in his campaign, setting the stage for an intense battle for the Astor Cup.
