Andretti INDYCAR Portland International Raceway Race Report
Race Notes
The Andretti INDYCAR team was back in action at Portland International Raceway this afternoon as they took on the last road circuit of the season and the only race in the Pacific Northwest. After yesterday’s qualifying session saw all Andretti drivers score starting spots in the top 11, today’s results would go one better as all three cars secured top-10 finishes in the 110-lap event.
Starting from the fourth row, Colton Herta took the green flag as the highest starter for the Andretti INDYCAR team. The Gainbridge Honda ran consistently in the top five throughout the race and even led four laps on the Portland road course. During Herta’s final pit cycle, the No. 26 stalled in the pits and was later issued a penalty for an unapproved hybrid engine start on Lap 91. Despite yielding one track position, Herta went on to secure his 16th top-five road course finish.
Starting directly behind teammate Herta, Marcus Ericsson took on Portland International Raceway for the fourth time this afternoon. Ericsson used his experience on the circuit to navigate the Delaware Life Honda up the field, running as high as third. The Swede’s sixth-place result marks his best finish in Portland and his seventh top-10 finish of the season.
After an unapproved engine change that forced the No. 27 AutoNation Honda to take a six-position grid penalty in today’s race, Kyle Kirkwood took on the Portland road circuit eager to work his way up the field from his P11 starting position. Within the first lap of the race, Kirkwood gained three positions and ran as high as third on the leaderboard. During Lap 55 of the race, Kirkwood was issued a blocking penalty pushing the AutoNation Honda back to his original starting position of 11th. Over the closing laps of the race, Kirkwood was able to make up one spot, ultimately taking the checkered in 10th marking his 11th top-10 finish of the season.
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES will now transition back to oval racing for the final three races on the 2024 calendar. Fans can tune in next weekend as drivers tackle the famed Milwaukee Mile for an action-packed doubleheader event.
Race Results
Colton Herta No. 26 Gainbridge Honda
P4
Started: P8
Standings: P3 (417pts)
“It was a pretty straightforward day. The Gainbridge Honda was fast and we moved up positions, mostly through strategy and overcutting. Our car was really fast, so we were able to go longer and make the most out of that. It was an interesting race. I can’t remember the last time that we’ve had guys run two sets of used reds other than the Indy GP in the last few years. So, it’s a little bit different for everyone today, but it was a lot of fun. We had a little bit of a moment in pit lane where I must’ve just slipped the clutch a little too quick and the car just died right there. Then, I wasn’t aware that you couldn’t start the car on pit lane, so we picked up a little bit of a time penalty and had to drop back. Besides that, it was still a pretty great day.”
Kyle Kirkwood No. 27 AutoNation Honda
P10
Started: P11
Standings: P8 (342pts)
“We ended P10, so we’re up one position from where we started. Another top 10 for the crew, but ultimately, I’m kind of disappointed with it. We got a penalty at some point in the race that I strongly disagree with, but that’s part of it, I guess. We looked like we were on for a good top-five finish until the penalty, so I’m disappointed, but at least we’ll walk away with some points.”
Marcus Ericsson No. 28 Delaware Life Honda
P6
Started: P10
Standings: P14 (257pts)
“I thought it was a good day for us in the No. 28 Delaware Life Honda. We had a solid race and I think the car was good. It was difficult to overtake today with the track temp going up compared to earlier in the weekend. It made track conditions a bit tricky, but I think we executed well. Good strategy, good pit stops and good driving. We always want more, but it was a solid result.”
Rob Edwards Chief Operating Officer
“Obviously, it was a good solid day with all three cars in the top 10. A trouble-free race with a good strategy for Marcus meant that he got some points on the board, which is exactly what we needed to do. I am a bit disappointed with Colton not getting a podium because I think that we had the pace in Gainbridge Honda to do it. However, having to drop behind the No. 30 car and then have them block us for basically the rest of the race kind of ended any chance we had in passing Josef. The No. 27 went on a different strategy and it didn’t quite work out for them. They were still able to get that top-10 finish, but the penalty they got obviously didn’t help them out. But, as one of our guys just said to me, a year ago we’d have thought three cars in the top 10 was a good day at work. A year later, three cars in the top 10 is a disappointment, so we’re making progress and I’m super happy about that.”
