Andretti INDYCAR World Wide Technology Raceway Race Report

Race Notes

Andretti INDYCAR was back to racing tonight under the lights at World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) with the first of three in a row to round out the final four-race swing of the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. 

After a challenging qualifying session yesterday that saw the Gainbridge Honda sustain rear wing damage forcing a start from the back of the field, Colton Herta was on a mission to make his way to the front from the green flag. Despite taking the start from 25th, Herta moved forward immediately passing numerous cars on the initial start and running consistently in the top 10 throughout the race. The Gainbridge Honda was in podium contention in the closing laps of the race, but a pass by the No. 8 car with five to go and a blocking penalty dropped Herta down to fifth as the checkered flag waved. Today’s result saw Herta climb from fourth in the Championship standings up to second, 59 points behind the Championship leader. 

Starting in the third row, Kyle Kirkwood lined up for today’s race in his best starting position at WWTR. Unfortunately, the AutoNation Honda was involved in a multi-car incident on Lap 17 forcing Kirkwood back to the pits to asses the damage. After repairs were made, the AutoNation Honda rejoined the field on Lap 51 but was given a drive-through penalty for having too many crew members over the wall for repairs. When no more positions could be made up, the AutoNation team called Kirkwood in to retire on Lap 247. 

Marcus Ericsson led the Andretti trio early with a strategy that moved the Swede into the top five from his ninth-place starting position. The Delaware Life Honda had moved into the lead before pitting, but the team identified an electrical issue during the stop and ultimately brought Ericsson back in immediately forcing him to retire from the race early with 109 laps to go. 

Fans only have to wait until next weekend for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to take on Portland International Raceway for the final road course of the season.

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Race Results

Colton Herta No. 26 Gainbridge Honda

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“I can’t be that mad, we had an awesome run today. Although, I am disappointed that I just got knocked off the podium. It would have been awesome to get on the podium starting on the last row, but this is still some of the best INDYCAR racing. Passing was plentiful and it was easy to get around guys when you had a better car, but you still had to work at it. I’m super happy with the Gainbridge Honda. It was super fast and we showed that all night. Now we’re ready to take on Portland.”

Kyle Kirkwood No. 27 AutoNation Honda

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“It was a suboptimal day for the No. 27 AutoNation Honda crew. We had a really fast car, but we weren’t able to actually show it in the race. We just got caught up in an unavoidable incident in the very early stages of the race and that just took us out of contention. We were 36 laps down from the beginning and we just sat out there and circulated hoping that people would fall out of the race. Not a whole lot of positives today, but ultimately, we do have fast cars, and that shows with Colton’s performance moving up from the back today.”

Marcus Ericsson No. 28 Delaware Life Honda

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“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

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