Kyle Kirkwood leads Andretti 1-2 in Long Beach

©IndyCar

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©IndyCar

Andretti Autosport's Kyle Kirkwood earned his first NTT IndyCar Series victory on Sunday in Long Beach after a strong drive from pole position.

Kirkwood, who led 53 of the race's 85 laps, topped an Andretti 1-2 in Southern California, with teammate Romain Grosjean edging for second place Chip Ganassi Racing and new championship leader Marcus Ericsson.

It was Kirkwood's 20th career start in IndyCar and his third with Andretti.

"This is amazing, man," said the 24-year-old from Jupiter, Florida. "What a day! The calmest day I’ve had in two years, and it was a win.

"I was so happy with just the pole yesterday, but I’m over the moon right now. This is incredible for the whole team. We had a stellar day for the whole team with Andretti Autosport."

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.