Kyle Kirkwood Takes the Lead in IndyCar Practice at Road America
The excitement is palpable as Kyle Kirkwood, driving for Andretti Global, has made headlines by dominating the practice session for the Grand Prix at Elkhart Lake. Following victories in the previous two IndyCar races, Kirkwood showcased his skills once again on a sunny Friday, posting an impressive time of 1:44.988. This session marked a significant milestone as it was the first time IndyCar drivers experienced the new hybrid system during a race weekend.
A New Era in IndyCar Racing
As the teams gathered at the picturesque Road America circuit, the atmosphere was charged. The hybrid system, which has been a topic of much discussion, made its debut, allowing teams to test its capabilities under race conditions. The practice session lasted for 75 minutes, and with temperatures reaching 27°C, the drivers were eager to get on the track and make the most of this opportunity.
Kirkwood, who had previously triumphed on the ovals at Milwaukee and Gateway, didn’t waste any time establishing his dominance. He was the only driver to break the 1:45 barrier, indicating his strong performance and potential for the upcoming race. His early lead was a clear message to the competition as he confidently maneuvered his car through the twists and turns of the road course.
Surprising Results from the Standings
Following Kirkwood’s standout performance, Devlin DeFrancesco from Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing made headlines by clocking a remarkable lap time. He finished the session in second place with a time of 1:45.141. This unexpected result added an exciting twist to the practice, as DeFrancesco’s presence among the top contenders showcased the competitiveness of the field.
Will Power, known for his exceptional skills and experience, secured the third position with a time of 1:45.180. Josef Newgarden, another formidable competitor, was close behind, finishing fourth with a time of 1:45.223. The early indications suggest that Team Penske is poised to be a strong contender this weekend, as both Power and Newgarden demonstrated impressive pace.
Completing the top six were Christian Lundgaard from McLaren and Scott McLaughlin, also from Team Penske, who clocked times of 1:45.225 and 1:45.319, respectively. The competitive nature of the session was evident, with drivers pushing their limits to secure the best possible positions ahead of the race.
Analyzing the Practice Session Dynamics
In the initial moments of the practice session, the track saw limited activity, with only four cars venturing out as teams opted to conserve tire wear. As the session progressed, however, the pace quickened. Lundgaard initially set the fastest lap before being overtaken by Santino Ferrucci, who recorded a time of 1:45.934.
With 45 minutes remaining, reigning champion Alex Palou took the lead with a time of 1:45.552. Newgarden closely followed, showcasing the tight competition among the top drivers. The session was filled with twists and turns, as the leaderboard changed hands multiple times.
However, the rhythm of the practice was interrupted by the first red flag caused by Ferrucci, who lost control of his car in the final corner. Fortunately, the incident was minor, and the car was quickly reset, allowing the session to continue.
As the drivers switched to the red tires for qualifying simulations, the dynamics shifted significantly. Kirkwood’s impressive lap time came just five minutes before the session concluded, solidifying his position at the top. A subsequent red flag, triggered by Alexander Rossi’s spin in Turn 1, brought the session to a halt, but the excitement of the ongoing competition remained high.
Key Highlights from the Timing Sheets
Kirkwood’s performance, along with that of DeFrancesco, Power, and Newgarden, created a competitive atmosphere as all four drivers clocked times below 1:45. The results of the practice session highlighted the depth of talent within the IndyCar series, with drivers consistently pushing the envelope to achieve faster times.
Despite his strong start, Palou was unable to maintain his position in the top five by the end of the session, a surprising turn of events for the championship leader. Meanwhile, Christian Rasmussen, who recently stood on the podium at Gateway, had a more subdued outing, finishing outside the top ten.
Practice Session Results – XPEL Grand Prix at Road America
| Position | Driver | Team | Time | Speed (mph) | Difference | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kyle Kirkwood | Andretti Global | 1:44.988 | 137.638 | — | 31 |
| 2 | Devlin DeFrancesco | Rahal Letterman Lanigan | 1:45.141 | 137.438 | +0.153 | 30 |
| 3 | Will Power | Team Penske | 1:45.179 | 137.388 | +0.191 | 31 |
| 4 | Josef Newgarden | Team Penske | 1:45.222 | 137.331 | +0.234 | 31 |
| 5 | Christian Lundgaard | McLaren | 1:45.225 | 137.329 | +0.236 | 31 |
| 6 | Scott McLaughlin | Team Penske | 1:45.319 | 137.206 | +0.331 | 31 |
| 7 | David Malukas | Team Penske | 1:45.319 | 137.206 | +0.331 | 31 |
| 8 | Louis Foster (R) | Andretti Global | 1:45.323 | 137.200 | +0.335 | 30 |
| 9 | Alex Palou | Chip Ganassi Racing | 1:45.366 | 137.144 | +0.378 | 31 |
| 10 | Kyffin Simpson | Andretti Global | 1:45.508 | 136.960 | +0.520 | 31 |
The practice session at Road America served as a thrilling prelude to the upcoming race. With drivers showcasing their skills and the new hybrid system making its debut, the excitement is building for what promises to be an exhilarating Grand Prix. The competitive landscape is set, and fans are eagerly anticipating the strategies that teams will employ as they prepare for the race ahead.
