Kirkwood Wins Long Beach GP, Ends Palou's Streak

Kyle Kirkwood secured his first victory of the 2025 IndyCar season at the Long Beach Grand Prix, ending Alex Palou's bid for a historic third consecutive win in the opening races. Starting from pole position, Kirkwood effectively managed race strategy and held off Palou's pressure to win by just over two seconds. Palou, the reigning champion and current points leader, finished second but extended his overall lead in the standings to 36 points ahead of Kirkwood. The race featured dramatic strategies, with various tire choices impacting positioning throughout the 90 laps. Rounding out the podium was Christian Lundgaard, marking his second consecutive top-three finish of the season. Kirkwood's win marks a significant moment for Andretti Global, breaking their winless streak and showcasing competitive racing dynamics among the top drivers.