Andretti INDYCAR Streets of Toronto Race Report
Race Notes
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES went 85 laps on the Streets of Toronto today with Andretti Global’s Colton Herta leading the way to the green flag, alongside teammate Kyle Kirkwood rolling off from P2. Herta went on to dominate the day, leading 80 total laps on his way to his first win of the season and eighth career victory.
Herta became the first in Series history to lead every session of the weekend before taking the final checkered flag and parking in Victory Circle. Herta’s win today gained him 54 valuable Championship points, moving him up two positions in the standings to fourth.
Kirkwood and the AutoNation team drove a strong, clean race to bring home a second-place finish today, recording a third career podium.
Despite good pace and strategy, the iconic Canadian street circuit was not as kind to the No. 28 of Marcus Ericsson today. Ericsson was seen as high as fourth early in the race before being credited as the race leader on Lap 55. Unfortunately, Ericsson was later involved in an incident with the No. 60 that caused him to cycle down to his original starting position in 11th. Ericsson attempted to work his way back up the field before retiring on Lap 73 with damage resulting from a multi-car incident in Turn 1.
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES now takes a three-weekend break before returning to oval racing at World Wide Technology Raceway on August 17. Only five races remain to settle the 2024 Championship fight.
Race Results
Colton Herta No. 26 Gainbridge Honda
P1
Started: P1
Standings: P4 (354pts)
“We’ve been knocking on the door of a win for so long. Forty-one starts without a win is a long time, and it’s been a disappointing time for us. Andretti is a team that demands perfection and results, so I’m feeling so happy about this win today after such a long time. The Gainbridge Honda was so fast and was great on red tires, black tires, restarts, long runs, saving fuel and really just whatever I needed it to do. Thanks to the team, it was an awesome day and I can’t wait to get back out to the next one.”
Kyle Kirkwood No. 27 AutoNation Honda
P2
Started: P2
Standings: P7 (314pts)
“I played a little bit more defensive today, so I’m super happy with second place. This was the goal today. Colton is so deserving of the win after being strong all weekend. I think we had better pace on restarts and maybe end of stints, but ultimately, Andretti Global deserved this win. It was a group effort between Colton and I’s crews working together to fend off other people as well. So, everything was executed well and our cars have been solid all weekend long. I’m glad that we led all sessions and now we are able to lead the one that really counts. So, hats off to the No. 27 and No. 26 crews and Andretti Global.”
Marcus Ericsson No. 28 Delaware Life Honda
P18
Started: P11
Standings: P12 (222pts)
“First of all, congratulations to Colton and Kyle. I’m very happy for the both of them. For us, it was a very unfortunate day. We had so much speed in the car. The 28 crew was making amazing progress with good pit stops, strategy and overtakes. Everything was working really well, and we were on for a really good finish. I had a bit of an incident there with Felix, so we lost quite a few spots there, which was unfortunate. We were still fighting back trying to get another top 10. And then that big crash happened. I came around and cars were parked there. Unfortunately, I couldn’t avoid it. So, I’m really sorry for the team. We had a really good car this weekend and not much to show for it. However, we will look ahead to St. Louis.”
Rob Edwards Chief Operating Officer
“What a great day for every single person who is part of the Andretti Global family. We work for days like this. I’m very happy for Colton and the No. 26 team to have gotten that done, and great work from Kyle and the 27 crew too. We are disappointed for Marcus, without him getting compromised by the No. 60, I believe we would have had all three cars in the top five. This is a great way to head into the summer break and we look forward to carrying the momentum when we return in St. Louis. To everyone at the team, enjoy this one!”