LONG BEACH – On a weekend drenched in history and legacy, Kyle Kirkwood etched his name into the record books by claiming the top spot at the 50th Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. Driving for Andretti Global, Kirkwood not only secured the checkered flag but also extended the deep ties between the Andretti name and the iconic street race.
Andretti teams have now accumulated an impressive 13 victories at the legendary Long Beach circuit, thanks to contributions from Mario and Michael Andretti’s prior wins as well as the team’s success as a whole. Adding to this legacy, Kirkwood’s triumph serves yet another chapter in one of the most storied associations in open-wheel racing.
“It’s massive,” Kirkwood said of the accomplishment. “This is a historic race, and I don’t think it’s set in yet for me. But I know how special it is to win the 50th anniversary. To be a part of the Andretti history here is huge, not just for me but for the entire team.”
Kirkwood, who started from pole position, was joined on the podium by Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing and Christian Lundgaard of Arrow McLaren. Impressively, the race was completed without a single caution, a rarity in street course events, particularly at Long Beach. For the entire 90 laps, it was all green flags, marking the first time this has happened since 2016.
Even Mother Nature seemed to continue the tradition of sunny race days, as the overcast skies cleared precisely as engines roared to life, adding an almost cinematic quality to the start of the race.
The celebration, however, extended far beyond Sunday’s main event. History was front and center all weekend, with the presence of racing legends Mario Andretti and Al Unser Jr., both serving as co-Grand Marshals, alongside other prominent figures from the event’s past. Pre-race festivities included laps around the circuit in vintage cars provided by Petersen Automotive Museum, featuring notables such as Brian Redman, Paul Tracy, and members of Dan Gurney’s family. A special historical exhibit in the Lifestyle Expo chronicled the race’s rich five-decade legacy, offering fans a nostalgic glimpse into what has made this event a mainstay in American motorsport.
The day’s schedule added even more excitement for fans. Early morning saw the Historic Formula Exhibition and a second race from GT America. The always thrilling SPEED Energy Stadium Super Trucks wrapped up the day, drawing fans to the edge of their seats until the very last moment.
The emotion of the Grand Prix weekend wasn’t limited to racing alone. Ahead of the IndyCar event, 27 drivers gave a heartfelt gesture of gratitude to Los Angeles wildfire first responders. Riding alongside them in pickup trucks, the drivers circled the track, offering waves and appreciation to enthusiastic fans. It was a well-received moment of community spirit, underscoring the broader impact such events can have beyond the thrill of competition.
With its quintessential blend of electric racing, treasured history, and community focus, the 50th Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach struck the perfect balance between honoring its past and accelerating toward an exciting future.
For Kirkwood and Andretti Global, this victory serves as a powerful reminder of the race’s connection with the Andretti legacy. For fans, it was yet another unforgettable chapter in the storied history of the Long Beach Grand Prix.
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