Kyle Kirkwood delivered a remarkable performance in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES return to Phoenix Raceway, securing second place driving the #27 Andretti Global Honda. Starting from 11th position, Kirkwood climbed steadily through the field using a strategic pit plan to lead 47 laps during the Good Ranchers 250, ultimately finishing just behind race winner Josef Newgarden.
Race Strategy and Key Moments That Defined the Outcome
Kirkwood’s surge to the front was fueled by an alternate pit strategy, which paid dividends as he controlled significant portions of the race’s latter stages. However, a late caution and Newgarden’s decision to pit for fresh tires in the final yellow flag allowed the eventual winner to regain track position, pushing Kirkwood back to second with only eight laps remaining. Despite this, the result elevated Kirkwood to second place in the championship standings, trailing by only five points.
Additional Honda Team Performances at Phoenix
Other Honda-powered teams also put forth strong efforts. Marcus Armstrong of Meyer Shank Racing advanced from 13th to finish fifth, showcasing his competitive pace and composure. Scott Dixon of Chip Ganassi Racing, a past Phoenix victor, ended the race seventh, while Graham Rahal of Rahal Letterman Lanigan rounding out the top ten. In total, four out of five Honda-supported teams secured top 10 finishes.
Challenges Faced by Other Contenders
Not all Honda drivers had smooth outings. Alex Palou, who started tenth and moved into the top five, saw his race ended prematurely after a collision with Rinus VeeKay on lap 22, halting Palou’s dominant championship lead that began in mid-2024. Will Power, starting at the back due to a qualifying crash, impressively led for ten laps during his second race with Andretti Global before contact dropped him to 16th by the finish.
Official Race Placements for Honda Drivers
The Good Ranchers 250 results highlighted strong finishes for several Honda drivers:
- 2nd – Kyle Kirkwood
- 5th – Marcus Armstrong
- 7th – Scott Dixon
- 9th – Graham Rahal
- 10th – Kyffin Simpson
- 12th – Felix Rosenqvist
- 15th – Dennis Hauger (Rookie)
- 16th – Will Power
- 17th – Marcus Ericsson
- 18th – Mick Schumacher
- 23rd – Louis Foster
- 24th – Alex Palou
- 25th – Romain Grosjean
Insights from Drivers and Honda Leadership
Kyle Kirkwood expressed his enthusiasm:
“I’m really happy with our JM Bullion Honda and our result today. We had a really good shot to win there up until the final handful of laps, that’s just what 20-lap fresher tires can do. And today we scored a huge second place for our #27 team. We typically haven’t been that good on short ovals and hopefully this is a turning point for all of us at Andretti Global to really bring the fight on these types of tracks. Shout out to Honda—our fuel economy and overall power were incredible all race long. Just a good day for our JM Bullion Honda team.”
– Kyle Kirkwood, #27 Andretti Global Honda
Marcus Armstrong reflected on his ride:
“I’m happy to see the end of that one really. It was a tricky day because I was basically just sliding the whole day. I was really happy to see the checkered flag. I honestly had such a great time battling it out with Scott (Dixon). He’s someone that I grew up watching on TV being a fellow Kiwi and I really looked up to him. So, to be able to be racing right next to him on track was something really fun and special. Phoenix Raceway is honestly such a fun track and I’m hoping that this is a regular on the INDYCAR schedule.”
– Marcus Armstrong, #66 Meyer Shank Racing Honda
Kelvin Fu, Vice President of Honda Racing Corporation USA, commented on the race and team efforts:
“It’s good to be back at Phoenix. There was a great crowd out there today and I’m glad IndyCar could put on a show for them. Huge congrats to Kyle Kirkwood ending up second place. It’s always a good day when you stand on the podium. We had four of our five Honda-powered teams finish in the top 10, and the Rahal Letterman Lanigan team had an incredible qualifying performance. We’ve made a step, but it’s clear that we have more work to do before our next short oval at WWTR in June. Huge thank you to everyone at HRC US for their continued hard work!”
– Kelvin Fu, Vice President, Honda Racing Corporation USA
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Challenges in the IndyCar Season
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES will next head to Arlington, Texas, for the inaugural Java House Grand Prix of Arlington on Sunday, March 15, at 12:30 PM ET, broadcast live on FOX. This event begins the third consecutive weekend of racing, offering another critical test for drivers and teams to build on their momentum from Phoenix. With Kyle Kirkwood now firmly in championship contention and Honda-powered teams demonstrating strong competitiveness, the season promises intense battles and exciting developments ahead.
