Kyle Kirkwood Ends Palou’s Streak with Commanding Victory at 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach
Kyle Kirkwood delivered a masterclass in precision and strategy to win the 50th Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, snapping Alex Palou’s two-race winning streak to open the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. The Andretti Global driver dominated the 90-lap race on the iconic 1.968-mile street circuit, finishing 2.6859 seconds ahead of Palou in a duel defined by tire management and flawless execution.
Race Highlights Starting from pole position—his second at Long Beach in three years—Kirkwood controlled the race from the outset in the No. 27 PreFab Honda. “We executed perfectly: practice, qualifying, strategy,” he said post-race. “If Palou had gotten ahead, he’d have won. Track position was everything today.” Palou, in the No. 10 Chip Ganassi Honda, settled for second, while Scott Dixon rounded out the podium.
The race unfolded without caution periods, emphasizing driver skill and team strategy. Kirkwood’s victory echoed his 2023 Long Beach win, reinforcing his prowess on street circuits.
Innovations and Fan Engagement This year’s event introduced cutting-edge visor and helmet cameras, offering fans immersive perspectives from drivers like Patricio O’Ward and Felix Rosenqvist. The technology, broadcast live on FS1, was hailed for enhancing viewer experience. Will Power also impressed during practice sessions, hinting at a resurgence for Team Penske.
IMSA Crossover The weekend doubled as Round 3 of the IMSA SportsCar Championship, with Porsche Penske Motorsport and Winward Racing leading their respective GTP and GTD classes. The 27-car field featured marquee names like Felipe Nasr (Porsche) and IndyCar crossover driver Scott Dixon, who pulled double duty.
Looking Ahead The Long Beach GP solidified its reputation as a cornerstone of American motorsport, blending INDYCAR’s wheel-to-wheel action with IMSA’s endurance drama. With Kirkwood’s win shaking up the championship standings, the series now heads to Barber Motorsports Park, where Palou will aim to reclaim momentum.
For full race results and highlights, visit INDYCAR’s official platforms.