Kyle Kirkwood Starts Third After Qualifying Setback at Detroit Grand Prix

DETROIT, Mich. — Kyle Kirkwood expressed disappointment after what could have been a pole performance at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear on Sunday. Instead, he will start third in the No. 27 Siemens AWS Honda after hitting the wall in Turn 3 during qualifying on Saturday.

Kirkwood’s fastest lap was timed at 1 minute and .7312 seconds but was compromised when he broke a toe link in the Firestone Fast Six qualifying round. This setback relegated him to the second row for the 100-lap race, which airs at 12:30 p.m. ET on FOX, FOX Sports app, and INDYCAR Radio Network. “I’ve never been more disappointed with a third in my life,” Kirkwood said. “I know I threw away a pole, without a doubt.”

Despite the disappointment, Kirkwood’s optimism remains intact. His teammate, Colton Herta, secured the NTT P1 Award with a pole position in the No. 26 Gainbridge Honda. Kirkwood found pride in Herta’s success, stating, “I’m glad one of us got it because it would have been very disappointing if none of us got it.”

Kirkwood’s strong performance record on street courses may bode well for him in the race. He has achieved all three of his NTT INDYCAR SERIES victories on similar tracks, including a pole and leading 46 laps at Long Beach in April. “The car is fast,” he noted. “We’re really good for the race. We’re starting in a good spot.”

Meanwhile, championship leader Alex Palou qualified sixth in his No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda but moves up to fifth due to Graham Rahal’s six-position penalty following an engine change. Palou, the defending Detroit race winner, hopes to maintain his winning streak after securing three consecutive victories this May.

Rahal expressed cautious optimism about converting recent improvements into race performance after qualifying fifth, only to fall back due to the penalty. “I feel pretty good even starting 11th,” Rahal said, emphasizing the potential to advance during the race.

Rinus VeeKay from Dale Coyne Racing also noted a positive start to the weekend with a seventh-place qualification. “The car was on rails out there,” he said, appreciating the recent changes in his team.

As the racers prepare for the challenges of the Detroit street circuit, all eyes will be on Kirkwood and his teammates who look to seize the opportunity today.