Kyffin Simpson’s performance at the 50th ACURA Grand Prix of Long Beach was more than just a statistical milestone — it was a statement
With a fastest lap, a top-10 finish, and time spent leading the race, Simpson showed that he belongs on IndyCar’s main stage.
As he prepares for the next round in Alabama, all eyes will be on the young driver from the Cayman Islands. If Long Beach was any indication, Kyffin Simpson’s journey in IndyCar is only just beginning — and the best is yet to come.
In racing, pressure reveals character. Kyle Kirkwood’s encounters with Alex Palou have tested him, pushed him, and ultimately made him better.
From trailing Palou in St. Petersburg to fending him off at Long Beach, Kirkwood has experienced the full spectrum of a championship-caliber duel — and he’s emerged stronger for it.
As the season unfolds, one thing is clear: this is no longer just about learning. It’s about competing — and winning — at the highest level.
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Table of Contents
Kyle Kirkwood: Outqualifying Expectations
Simpson’s weekend started strong in qualifying, where he secured the ninth spot on the grid — his best starting position in his IndyCar career so far.1
He maintained composure throughout the challenging street circuit and eventually crossed the finish line in 10th place.
While a drop of one position might not sound monumental, his drive was filled with consistency, clean overtakes, and even moments at the front of the pack, as he led three laps during the race.
For a driver with just over a year of full-time IndyCar experience, this performance was a glimpse into the potential Chip Ganassi Racing sees in the young talent.
Rising Through the Ranks: Simpson’s Path to IndyCar
Kyffin Simpson’s rise through the racing ranks has been fast and impressive. Born in the Cayman Islands, Simpson began karting at an early age before stepping up to professional racing circuits.
In 2020, he clinched the Formula Regional Americas Championship, showcasing both speed and maturity beyond his years.
His success extended into sports cars, as he participated in the IMSA SportsCar Championship in 2022 and 2023. Impressively, Simpson secured victories in both years, proving his versatility across different racing disciplines.
The ACURA Grand Prix of Long Beach holds a special place in motorsports, being one of the most historic and prestigious events in the North American racing calendar.
To have a career-best finish at such a venue adds a layer of significance to Simpson’s achievement. The 50th anniversary of the race added further prestige to the weekend, and Simpson ensured his name would be mentioned among the race’s memorable moments.
Learning from Legends: The Ganassi Environment
Being a part of Chip Ganassi Racing, one of the most successful teams in IndyCar history, gives Simpson the perfect environment for growth.
With teammates like Scott Dixon and Alex Palou, Simpson has access to a wealth of experience and knowledge.
His comment about trying to keep up with Dixon wasn’t just a humorous nod — it symbolized the competitive internal drive that fuels young athletes.
Ganassi’s culture of excellence is built around collaboration, and Simpson’s ability to soak in feedback and apply it on the track is already paying off.
The Kyle Kirkwood Comparison
Kyle Kirkwood entered the 2024 Long Beach Grand Prix with high hopes.2
As a previous winner at the venue, expectations were on his shoulders to repeat or even exceed past performances.
However, despite his experience and previous success, Kirkwood wasn’t able to match the fastest-lap pace that Simpson delivered.
While Kirkwood remains a strong competitor in the series, Simpson’s ability to outshine him in one of the race’s key metrics — fastest lap — speaks volumes about the changing tide in the IndyCar landscape.
A new generation is rising, and Simpson is positioning himself at the forefront.
Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix
With momentum now on his side, Kyffin Simpson has his sights set on the next challenge: the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix at Barber Motorsports Park, scheduled for May 4.
A road course known for its technical demands and flowing corners, Barber will test Simpson’s adaptability and mental endurance.
Given his performance at Long Beach, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see whether he can continue his upward trajectory. If he does, a top-five finish — or even a podium — might not be far off.
Why Simpson’s Story Matters
In a sport often dominated by veterans and drivers with extensive funding, Simpson’s rise is refreshing.
He represents a blend of raw talent, humility, and hard work — qualities that resonate with racing purists.
While his career is still in its early stages, moments like his Long Beach breakthrough suggest that Kyffin Simpson is not just a future star, but someone who could one day be a champion.
His Cayman Islands heritage also adds diversity to the grid, helping to expand motorsport’s global reach. As more fans from outside traditional racing strongholds tune in, Simpson’s journey offers a compelling storyline for international viewers.
The Bigger Picture for Chip Ganassi Racing
For Chip Ganassi Racing, Simpson’s emergence adds a new dimension to their competitive lineup.
With Scott Dixon providing veteran leadership and Alex Palou in his prime, Simpson offers a glimpse of the future.
If he continues on this path, the team could have another long-term championship contender on their hands.
Simpson’s growth also reflects the team’s investment in nurturing young talent — a strategy that’s paying dividends.
The dynamic between youth and experience within the team could be a blueprint for sustained success across multiple seasons.
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Kyle Kirkwood Reflects on Learning From a Champion
The 2025 IndyCar season has already delivered intense moments and compelling narratives, none more fascinating than the budding rivalry between Andretti Global’s Kyle Kirkwood and Chip Ganassi Racing’s reigning champion, Alex Palou.3
Fresh off his victory at the 50th anniversary ACURA Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 13, Kirkwood opened up about what he’s learned from racing wheel-to-wheel with one of the sport’s most tactically sound drivers.
Kirkwood may have taken the top step on the podium in Long Beach, but the lessons learned from Palou’s presence on track seem just as valuable as the trophy itself.
A Victory Earned the Hard Way
Winning at Long Beach is no small feat. The tight street circuit is a favorite among drivers and fans alike for its mix of speed, strategy, and unforgiving corners.
For Kirkwood, victory came after intense pressure from Palou, who was constantly in his rear-view mirrors throughout the race.
“It wasn’t just about going fast today,” Kirkwood said. “It was about knowing when to go fast — and that’s something I’ve picked up from watching Alex.”
Palou, who had already won the opening two races of the 2025 season, was in championship form again. Though he ultimately finished second, his presence loomed large over Kirkwood’s every move.
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Learning by Observation: St. Petersburg’s First Lesson
The season opener in St. Petersburg set the tone for Kirkwood’s early education. Starting in ninth, Kirkwood found himself directly behind Palou, who started eighth.
Though unable to pass the Spaniard, Kirkwood used the opportunity to study Palou’s habits and tactical decision-making.
“It’s actually been very nice following him at St. Pete,” Kirkwood told FOX Sports’ Will Buxton. “I learned a lot of what his tendencies are and how his thought process is around a race.”
While most drivers might get frustrated sitting behind a rival, Kirkwood saw it as a classroom on wheels. “He pushes at the right times,” he added. “He knows how to execute when things need to happen.”
Understanding the Mind of a Champion
To many observers, Palou’s genius lies not just in his speed, but in his ability to read a race.
He knows when to be aggressive, when to conserve fuel, and when to pounce. That understanding doesn’t come overnight — it’s a skill built over years of top-level competition.
Kirkwood recognized this and made a mental note of Palou’s timing. “I understood it today when he was in my mirrors,” Kirkwood said after Long Beach.
“It played a big part in how I managed the race — the fuel saving, the timing of when to push.”
Kyle Kirkwood: Managing Pressure From Behind
Racing in front of Palou is its own kind of psychological challenge. In Long Beach, Kirkwood not only had to execute a perfect strategy but also withstand the constant threat of one of the most calculated drivers on the grid.
“Having Alex behind you is almost more stressful than chasing him,” Kirkwood admitted. “He doesn’t make mistakes, so you can’t afford to either.”
This dynamic forced Kirkwood to elevate his race management, knowing that one small error could open the door for Palou to capitalize.
Fuel Strategy and Race Craft
One of the biggest factors in Kirkwood’s Long Beach win was his fuel management. “We kept going a lot longer than him,” Kirkwood noted.
“That made a big difference in how I could manage the car and only push when I knew he’d be pushing too.”
It’s a subtle but critical aspect of modern IndyCar racing: drivers must not only race hard but also race smart. Saving fuel, managing tire degradation, and reading your opponent’s strategy are often just as important as outright pace.
Thanks to his earlier observation at St. Petersburg, Kirkwood had a better sense of Palou’s rhythm, allowing him to anticipate and react effectively.
The Gold Standard
There’s a reason Alex Palou is the reigning champion and already off to a dominant start in 2025. His ability to extract maximum performance from the car while making very few mistakes has earned him admiration up and down the paddock.
“He’s probably the best at what he does right now,” Kirkwood said. “So if you can beat him, even once, you know you’ve done something special.”
While some drivers might downplay their competitors, Kirkwood’s honest praise for Palou is a sign of mutual respect — and perhaps a recognition that to be the best, you must learn from the best.
Kyle Kirkwood: The Art of Strategic Patince
In a sport where milliseconds count, knowing when not to act can be just as important as making bold moves.
Kirkwood took that to heart during his battle with Palou, especially in moments where conserving fuel or maintaining track position was more beneficial than risking an overtake or defending too hard.
“Patience is key,” he said. “Alex is a master of that. He doesn’t rush things — he waits for the race to come to him.
That’s something I’ve started to apply in my own driving.”
This philosophical shift may mark a new chapter in Kirkwood’s career — one where experience, not just raw speed, plays a central role.
Building Confidence Through Competition
Competing closely with a champion like Palou has clearly been a confidence booster for Kirkwood. While he’s always been considered a talented driver, these early-season battles have added a layer of maturity to his race craft.
“It’s not just about learning anymore,” Kirkwood said. “It’s about applying what I’ve learned and trusting myself in those big moments.”
His Long Beach win was more than just a victory on paper — it was a statement that he’s ready to contend on a consistent basis.
A Rivalry in the Making?
As the season progresses, many fans and analysts are already circling the Kirkwood-Palou dynamic as one to watch.
Both drivers are young, talented, and intelligent behind the wheel. Their on-track duels have the potential to shape the narrative of the 2025 season and beyond.
“It’s still early,” Kirkwood said. “But if I get to race Alex every week, that’s a good thing — because I know I’m racing the best.”
For now, it’s a respectful rivalry, rooted in admiration and professional growth. But as the championship stakes rise, so too might the intensity.
With three races now complete, the 2025 IndyCar season is shaping up to be a memorable one. Palou remains the man to beat, but Kirkwood has thrown down a serious marker with his Long Beach performance.
He’s not just a driver with raw potential — he’s a student of the sport, learning from the very best and evolving in real time. And if this trajectory continues, it may not be long before Kirkwood is being studied by the next wave of up-and-coming stars.
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