Kirkwood makes waves: Dunes Palou for Long Beach glory

©IndyCar/Joe Skibinski

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©IndyCar/Joe Skibinski

Andretti Global's Kyle Kirkwood roared to glory at the 50th Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Sunday, outsmarting reigning champ Alex Palou to claim a thrilling victory under sunny California skies in the third round of the NTT IndyCar Series.

The Florida native steered his No. 27 PreFab Honda with precision, mastering tyre strategy and fending off Palou’s relentless pressure to win from pole – his second Long Beach triumph in three years.

Leading 46 of 90 caution-free laps, Kirkwood’s flawless execution ended the Chip Ganassi Racing driver’s two-race streak, with Arrow McLaren’s Christian Lundgaard clocking in third.

“We controlled the race, even from practice,” Kirkwood said. “Really good qualifying, amazing race, amazing strategy. It was just execution all across the board that won us that race today because if Palou was in front, he would have beat us, for sure.

“This was a track-position race here today, without any yellows.”

Kirkwood’s win cements his rise, with the 26-year-old now trailing Palou, the championship leader, by 34 points as the IndyCar season heats up.

©IndyCar/Joe Skibinski

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.