Andretti INDYCAR IMS Road Course Race Report

IMS Road Course Race Notes

The Andretti INDYCAR team wrapped up the two-day road course event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway today as the field of 27 took on the  85-lap race to kick off the month of May. 

Colton Herta took the green flag from the back of the field and narrowly avoided an opening lap multi-car incident in Turn 1. A few turns later, Herta was involved in an on-track incident with his teammate that resulted in a penalty for the No. 28. The remainder of the race saw Herta lead the field in on-track passes with 31 and slowly work his way up 17 spots from his starting position, earning him the title of ‘Josten’s Biggest Mover’ of the race. 

Kyle Kirkwood led the Andretti INDYCAR lineup in starting position, but was unfortunately involved in the multi-car incident on the first lap that dropped him to the back. Coming from 24th, Kirkwood steadily worked the AutoNation Honda forward to mid-field and took the checkered just outside the top 10. Kirkwood was fourth in on-track passes for the 85-lap race with 17. 

Like Herta, Marcus Ericsson was able to avoid the early-race incident but contact with the No. 26 in Turn 4 resulted in an avoidable contact penalty that forced him to yield five positions. Ericsson worked to rebound throughout the race, cycling into the top 10 multiple times, but strategy didn’t play out for the No. 28 and Ericssion wasn’t able to finish higher than 16th.  

Focus for the Andretti INDYCAR team will now shift to preparations for the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway transforms from the 14-turn road course configuration to the most famous four corners in motorsports. Opening Day for the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race will kick off on Tuesday, May 14 with practice streaming on Peacock all week. 

Race Results

Colton Herta No. 26 Gainbridge Honda

P7

Started: P24

Standings: 4th (127pts)

“Overall it was a pretty solid day. I’m happy with the Gainbridge Honda – it was a really good recovery for us. I think there would have been a podium in the cards if we hadn’t gotten taken out by our teammate at one point, but you know, that’s the way it goes. So we’ll keep pushing. Everybody on the No. 26 crew did an incredible job today and had a great recovery here.”

Kyle Kirkwood No. 27 AutoNation Honda

P11

Started: P14

Standings: 8th (86pts)

“Race complete here at the Sonsio Grand Prix. It probably would have been a pretty solid race if we hadn’t gotten pushed into the grass in Turn 1. That was just an unfortunate way to start off the race, but the strategy was great and we made some good passes. We raced hard all the way until the end and nearly snuck into the top 10. If we played our cards right we could have been right in the range of Colton, but hats off to them for coming back as well. We had fast cars this weekend and that’s the biggest takeaway. We’ll roll into the 500 with a little bit of momentum going forward.”

Marcus Ericsson No. 28 Delaware Life Honda

P16

Started: P21

Standings: 15th (63pts)

“First of all, I’m really sorry to Colton and the No. 26 guys. I locked up there in the first lap and hit him. Obviously, that was not my intention. After that happened, it was just a tough race for us. We were fighting hard and trying different things, but nothing really played out for us. I think the car was getting better throughout the race, so that was a positive, but overall it was a very disappointing weekend for us. We will regroup, focus and bounce back for the 500.”

Rob Edwards Chief Operating Officer

“It was clearly a frustrating day yesterday for all of us and there were a lot of questions. We’re happy that we made positive progress in the race today. It was a great drive from Colton and great work from the No. 26 guys. We’re also very happy to see the No. 27 up there as well making progress. You know, we clearly have some work to do on qualifying after the last two races, but I think we’ve shown that we stick with it and pick up the maximum points we can. We have to make a difference and get those W’s. However, the team is executing on race day, and that’s important, so we’ll take that into the Indy 500.”