Defending Winner Kirkwood Leads Andretti Charge at Long Beach
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES returns to the iconic Streets of Long Beach this weekend, one of the crown jewels of the calendar and a circuit that consistently suits Andretti Global’s street course strength. Kyle Kirkwood leads the charge as the defending race winner, having dominated last year’s event from pole. A proven street course standout, Kirkwood has made his mark on temporary circuits, and Long Beach has been central to that success. Alongside Kirkwood, Will Power brings experience at Long Beach with multiple wins and the most starts of any INDYCAR driver at the circuit, while Marcus Ericsson adds a podium finish and consistent results at the track. Andretti has long been a force on these streets, with multiple wins in recent years, including Kirkwood’s first career victory at the track in 2023. With a strong track record and momentum on their side, the team enters the weekend poised to contend once again.
Race Details
| Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach – Streets of Long Beach |
| Round | 5/18 |
| Track Type | Street Course |
| Turns | 11 |
| Laps | 90 |
| Track Length | 1.968 Miles |
Fast Facts
INDYCAR
- Andretti Global has made 16 appearances on the Streets of Long Beach dating back to 2009, scoring seven wins (Hunter-Reay — 2010, Conway — 2011, Rossi — 2018 & 2019, C. Herta — 2021, Kirkwood — 2023 & 2025), six poles (Hunter-Reay — 2014, Rossi — 2018 & 2019, C. Herta — 2022 and Kirkwood — 2023 & 2025), 13 podiums and 19 top-five finishes.
Will Power
- With more starts than any other INDYCAR driver on the Streets of Long Beach, Will Power returns to the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach this weekend for his 20th appearance at the historic California circuit.
- Power made his debut on the track in 2006 before capturing his first win there in 2008 and returning to Victory Lane again in 2012. He also recorded three straight poles from 2010–2012, seven podiums, 16 top-10 finishes and has led 187 laps.
- The Australian driver gained positions throughout last year’s race and ran just outside the top 10 after the opening pit cycle. A front wing adjustment on his second pit stop of the day helped Power move up the field and take the checkered in sixth.
Kyle Kirkwood
- Defending Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach race winner Kyle Kirkwood is set to make his fifth start on the street circuit. The current INDYCAR Championship leader returns to Long Beach with momentum after his win on the Streets of Arlington.
- The Florida native has a strong history on the Streets of Long Beach with two pole positions, two wins, four top-10 finishes and 100 laps led.
- Starting from pole position during last year’s race, Kirkwood went on to lead 46 of the 90 laps to ultimately capture his third INDYCAR victory at the time.
Marcus Ericsson
- Marcus Ericsson returns to the Streets of Long Beach for his seventh start this weekend.
- The Swede’s Long Beach record includes a front-row start, one podium and two top-five finishes.
- After rolling off fifth in 2025, Ericsson made an early pit stop and rejoined the field inside the top 10. Unfortunately, traffic kept the Swede from regaining track positions, and he took the checkered in 12th.
| Andretti INDYCAR Championship Standings |
| Will Power | 77 points | 13th |
| Kyle Kirkwood | 156 points | 1st |
| Marcus Ericsson | 99 points | 7th |
INDYCAR Team Quotes
Will Power
No. 26 TWG AI Honda
“One of the many things I enjoy about the Streets of Long Beach is the history and the setting. You’re right on the beach, and some of the legends that have won at this track make it really special. It’s also a very technical circuit. We get up to around 190 mph at the end of the straight, so you’re really threading the needle with concrete walls, and there’s no room for mistakes. With the success I’ve had here and what Andretti has done at this track, I’d love to add a third victory and give the TWG AI Honda crew their first win of the season in Long Beach.”
Kyle Kirkwood
No. 27 JM Bullion / Gold.com Honda
“Long Beach has notoriously been one of the biggest races outside of the Indy 500, and it’s definitely a bucket list item for everybody to want to win. Having done it twice there now with two poles is quite incredible. Andretti has always been a huge name around that place, and to get my first win there just like Michael did was very special. We know we have good cars and the performance in Long Beach, and I’m looking forward to getting back there this weekend as the defending champion. It would be a pretty big deal if we were to win there again and put my name up there with many of the greats that have three victories.”
Marcus Ericsson
No. 28 Allegra® Honda
“Long Beach is one of my favorite races of the year. It’s such a historic event and a place I’ve had success at in the past, including a podium finish. The track has also been really strong for Andretti, so we’re all excited to get back there, especially after the strong start to the season. I’m looking forward to returning this weekend and carrying the momentum we’ve shown on street circuits.”
Ron Ruzewski
Team Principal
“We’re looking forward to the Long Beach race weekend after a short break. Long Beach is an iconic event for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and one that has proven to be good for Andretti and our current lineup of drivers. Our goal this year is to show up prepared with competitive cars for all three drivers at every event, and we plan to continue that this weekend. We’ve had a solid start to the season and will push to put all of our cars in a position to win.”
