Long Beach Grand Prix IndyCar Qualifying: Kirkwood Secures Pole Position
The Long Beach Grand Prix is always a highlight of the racing calendar, and the 2025 edition is no exception. This year, the streets of Long Beach were once again transformed into a high-speed battleground, with some of the fastest cars on the planet tearing through the city.
The event saw American driver Kyle Kirkwood clinch the pole position for the IndyCar race, with his Andretti Global teammate Colton Herta joining him on the front row. The weekend was packed with thrilling moments, showcasing the skill and precision of top-tier drivers on a challenging street circuit.
Thrilling Qualifying Session
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The qualifying session for the Long Beach Grand Prix was nothing short of electrifying.
Kyle Kirkwood, driving the PreFab Honda, secured the pole position with a top lap time of 1 minute, 6.1921 seconds, averaging 107.034 miles per hour. This achievement marks the third pole position in Kirkwood’s 54-race IndyCar career and his first since the 2023 Music City Grand Prix, which he also went on to win.
Kirkwood’s performance was particularly impressive given the demanding nature of the 1.968-mile, 11-turn street circuit surrounding the Long Beach Convention Center.
Kirkwood’s Stellar Performance
Kirkwood’s final lap in the Firestone Fast Six portion of qualifying was a masterclass in precision and speed. The 26-year-old driver expressed his excitement, noting that he didn’t put a wheel wrong or hit anything, a critical factor on street circuits where margins for error are razor-thin.
Kirkwood’s pole position is a testament to his skill and the capabilities of the Andretti Global team.
Colton Herta’s Strong Showing
Joining Kirkwood on the front row is his Andretti Global teammate, Colton Herta.
Raised in Valencia, Herta qualified second with a lap time of 1:06.4232 in the No. 26 Gainbridge Honda. Despite running out of time for a proper warmup lap on his final run, Herta managed to secure his position, demonstrating his resilience and adaptability.
He attributed the gap to Kirkwood to the delay in raising the temperatures of his Firestone Firehawk alternate tires, highlighting the critical role of tire management in qualifying sessions.
Herta’s Tire Management
Herta explained that the prep lap is crucial for getting the tire temperatures in the right window, ensuring that the front and rear tires are as equal as possible.
Although his tires started out cold, they reached the optimal temperature after a few corners. This insight into tire management underscores the intricate strategies drivers must employ to gain even the slightest advantage.
Alex Palou’s Competitive Edge
Spaniard Alex Palou also put in a strong performance, briefly taking the top spot in the Firestone Fast Six with about 30 seconds to go in the session.
Palou’s lap time of 1:06.6254 was ultimately surpassed by Kirkwood and Herta, placing him third on the grid. Palou will be seeking his third victory in IndyCar’s three races in 2025, adding another layer of excitement to the upcoming race.
Palou’s Quest for Victory
Palou’s consistent performance this season has made him a formidable contender. His ability to secure top positions in qualifying sessions speaks to his skill and the strength of his team. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Palou can convert his strong starting position into another victory.
Will Power’s Struggles
Not every driver had a smooth qualifying session.
Australian driver Will Power failed to advance past the first of three rounds of qualifying, resulting in a 13th place start on the 27-car grid. Power’s best lap time of 1:07.6606 was a stark contrast to his fastest practice time of 1:07.3227 on Friday.
This unexpected turn of events adds an element of unpredictability to the race, as Power will need to navigate through the field to contend for a podium finish.
Power’s Road to Recovery
Power’s struggle in qualifying serves as a reminder of the challenges and uncertainties inherent in motorsport. His ability to recover and make strategic moves during the race will be crucial. Fans will be eager to see how Power navigates the complexities of the Long Beach circuit from his mid-field starting position.
Economic Impact of the Long Beach Grand Prix
Beyond the on-track action, the Long Beach Grand Prix has significant economic implications for the city. The event attracts thousands of visitors, boosting local businesses and generating substantial revenue.
ABC7’s Tony Cabrera provided an in-depth look at the event’s economic impact, highlighting how the Grand Prix contributes to the local economy.
Boost to Local Businesses
The influx of visitors during the Grand Prix weekend provides a notable boost to hotels, restaurants, and other local businesses. The event’s ability to draw crowds from around the world underscores its importance not just as a sporting spectacle but also as a key economic driver for Long Beach.
Looking Ahead to Race Day
As the drivers prepare for race day, anticipation is building among fans and teams alike.
The Long Beach Grand Prix promises to deliver high-octane action, with top drivers vying for victory on one of the most challenging street circuits in the world.
With Kirkwood and Herta leading the pack, and Palou and Power looking to make their mark, the stage is set for an unforgettable race.
Key Storylines to Watch
Several key storylines will be unfolding as the race progresses:
- Kirkwood’s bid to convert his pole position into a race win
- Herta’s quest for redemption after a challenging qualifying session
- Palou’s pursuit of his third victory of the season
- Power’s attempt to climb the ranks from a mid-field starting position
The 2025 Long Beach Grand Prix is set to be a thrilling chapter in the world of IndyCar racing. For more details on the qualifying session and to stay updated on race day developments, visit the full article on ABC7.
