Kyle Kirkwood wins second IndyCar race of the season
- Kyle Kirkwood executed a strong race, overcoming challenges to win at the Detroit Grand Prix, marking a significant achievement in his career.
- The race featured notable competition, with Santino Ferrucci and Colton Herta also finishing high in the standings, leading to an all-American podium.
- This victory adds to Kirkwood's accolades as he seeks to close the gap on season leader Alex Palou in the championship points standings.
On June 1, 2025, Kyle Kirkwood secured his second victory of the IndyCar season at the Detroit Grand Prix held in the United States. Starting from third, Kirkwood showcased remarkable skill on the 1.645-mile temporary street circuit despite racing with a damaged left front wing. The race attracted substantial competition, particularly from Santino Ferrucci and Colton Herta, who started on pole. A pivotal moment occurred when a crash involving Callum Ilott necessitated an unexpected pit stop that impacted several leading racers. Kirkwood, however, managed to reclaim the lead with 22 laps remaining. This victory marked Kirkwood's fourth career win and solidified his spot in the points chase, placing him second, 78 points behind the current leader, Alex Palou, who faced misfortune during the race. The performance at Detroit was notable as it gathered an all-American podium for the first time since 2020, with Kirkwood leading Ferrucci and Herta to the finish line. The victory came with extra significance as it followed a win at Long Beach earlier in April, making Kirkwood the only driver besides Palou to win races in this season. Despite the challenges he faced, Kirkwood expressed confidence in closing the points gap in the remaining races of the season. Additionally, Palou's misfortune, which resulted from a collision with David Malukas, heavily influenced the standings, highlighting the unpredictable nature of motor racing while serving as a reminder of the intense competition within the series. The next race on the calendar is scheduled to take place in Madison, Illinois, in two weeks, continuing an exciting season for IndyCar racing enthusiasts.