Kyle Kirkwood seals career-best IndyCar season with Laguna Seca runner-up
Kyle Kirkwood closed out his 2026 IndyCar Series campaign on a high note, driving from sixth on the grid to a runner-up finish behind Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin in the season finale at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The strong drive cemented a career-best second-place finish in the championship standings for the 27-year-old Florida native. Kirkwood, driving the #27 Andretti ... Keep reading
Kyle Kirkwood concluded his standout 2026 IndyCar Series season with a runner-up finish at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, behind Team Penske's Scott McLaughlin. Driving the #27 Andretti Global Honda, Kirkwood secured 545 points, finishing 86 points behind champion Alex Palou. Throughout the 18-race season, Kirkwood led Andretti Global's title pursuit, securing two victories, six podiums, and a pole position.
Reflecting on his second-place championship standing, Kirkwood acknowledged that points strategy dictated his late-race approach, prioritizing tire longevity over aggressive racing. Kirkwood's strong season set the stage for Andretti Global, highlighting the team's momentum heading into the off-season. The organization's collective improvement is evident as they close out the year, with Kirkwood aiming to narrow the gap with Palou in future races.
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