Kirkwood Claims Dominant Victory in 50th Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, Honda Sweeps Top Two

Written from Honda press release, and Indy Series box score:

LONG BEACH, Calif. — Kyle Kirkwood powered his #27 Dallara/Honda/Firestone entry to victory in the 50th running of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, leading 46 of 90 laps to deliver a historic win for Andretti Global and extend Honda’s perfect start to the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.

Kirkwood, who started from pole on the 1.968-mile temporary street circuit, maintained control throughout the caution-free race to secure his third career win and second at Long Beach. He crossed the line with a time of 1:45:51.2058, averaging 100.395 mph.

“Doing it at home for Honda is absolutely massive,” said Kirkwood. “The power was amazing, our fuel saving was amazing, and the strategy was amazing—all because of Honda. This is why we put in the hard work.”

Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou, also in a Dallara/Honda/Firestone, finished 2.6859 seconds behind Kirkwood to notch his third consecutive podium in 2025. With prior victories at St. Petersburg and Thermal, Palou continues to lead the championship with 142 points, 34 ahead of Kirkwood (108).

Top Finishers – 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach
(C=Chassis, E=Engine, T=Tire)

1. Kyle Kirkwood – D/H/F – Andretti Global – Led 46 laps
2. Alex Palou – D/H/F – Chip Ganassi Racing – +2.6859s
3. Christian Lundgaard – D/C/F – Rahal Letterman Lanigan – +18.7784s
4. Felix Rosenqvist – D/H/F – Meyer Shank Racing – +19.8193s
5. Will Power – D/C/F – Team Penske – +23.3641s
6. Colton Herta – D/H/F – Andretti Global – +26.5802s
7. Scott Dixon – D/H/F – Chip Ganassi Racing – +27.0975s
8. Kyffin Simpson – D/H/F – Chip Ganassi Racing – Career-best finish

The race featured no cautions and nine lead changes among six drivers. Notably, rookie Kyffin Simpson briefly led three laps and posted the fastest lap of the race at 103.981 mph.

Despite early challenges and strategic battles, Kirkwood reclaimed the lead for good on Lap 69 and never looked back.

Honda Extends Manufacturer Lead

Honda remains undefeated in 2025 and now holds a 69-point advantage over Chevrolet in the manufacturer standings (278-209). The Honda-powered teams placed six cars in the top ten at Long Beach.

David Salters, President of Honda Racing Corporation USA, praised the effort:

“Massive congratulations to Kyle, Andretti Global, and to Alex and Chip Ganassi Racing as well. We made a big push to bring performance to our INDYCAR program, and it’s paying off.”

Up Next

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES heads to Barber Motorsports Park for the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix, May 2–4.

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