Introduction to the Long Beach Grand Prix
Kyle Kirkwood showed that Alex Palou can be beat this IndyCar season and returned Andretti Global to the top of the podium with his second career victory at the Grand Prix of Long Beach.
Background on Kirkwood’s Victory
Kirkwood has won the most prestigious street course race in the United States twice in the last three years and Sunday’s win ended the early run of Palou dominance. Palou, a three-time IndyCar champion including the last two consecutive seasons, won the first two races this year.
Palou’s Reaction to Finishing Second
Palou, the current points leader, instead finished second. “You never feel amazing when you finish second,” Palou said. “I tried, I tried. I think we did the best we could.”
The Rise of Palou
Palou’s dominance has started to irritate other drivers in the field, but the Spaniard doesn’t care. He was an unknown from a racing series in Japan when he arrived in IndyCar in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic when competition was in a bubble and few got a chance to interact with Palou.
He moved to Chip Ganassi Racing in 2021 and, in top-notch equipment, won three races and his first IndyCar championship. He was polite, always smiling, and used the descriptor “it’s amazing” for nearly everything good that was happening to him.
Shift in Palou’s Approach
Palou’s demeanor was endearing and he presented himself as very eager to please. It wasn’t an act, but as he collected three championship trophies, there’s been a shift in Palou’s approach — he’s still smiling and nice, but he’s calculated and unconcerned about the competition. When told this weekend he should give his rivals a chance to win a race, Palou used an expletive in declining and said to publish his words.
The End of Palou’s Streak
He said he planned to win the first six races of the season before he’d give another driver a chance — a run that would include Palou’s first victory in next month’s Indianapolis 500. Alas, his streak came to an end on the downtown streets of Long Beach, which hosted the caution-free race for the 50th year. “I am not disappointed, 100% I am happy to be here,” Palou said. “It sucks we couldn’t make it more interesting for the fans, but I am happy to be here.”
Historical Context
Palou joined his Ganassi teammate Scott Dixon as the only drivers in the last 14 seasons to win the first two races of the year — Dixon did it in 2020, when he won the first three races and eventually his sixth IndyCar title. Will Power (2010), Sebastian Bourdais (2006), Paul Tracy (2003), Sam Hornish Jr. (2001), Rick Mears (1982) and Johnny Rutherford (1980) are the only drivers to also win the first two races of the season. All but Power went on to win the championship.
Conclusion
Kyle Kirkwood’s victory at the Grand Prix of Long Beach marked a significant shift in the IndyCar season, ending Alex Palou’s early dominance. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Palou responds to this setback and whether Kirkwood can maintain his momentum.
FAQs
- Q: Who won the Grand Prix of Long Beach?
A: Kyle Kirkwood won the Grand Prix of Long Beach. - Q: How many times has Kyle Kirkwood won the Grand Prix of Long Beach?
A: Kyle Kirkwood has won the Grand Prix of Long Beach twice in the last three years. - Q: Who was the current points leader before the Grand Prix of Long Beach?
A: Alex Palou was the current points leader before the Grand Prix of Long Beach. - Q: How many championships has Alex Palou won?
A: Alex Palou has won three IndyCar championships, including the last two consecutive seasons.
