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Kyle Kirkwood Dominates Andretti 1-2 in Detroit Pre-Qualifying Practice
Highlights
- Kyle Kirkwood topped pre-qualifying practice at Detroit Grand Prix
- Will Power finished second, completing Andretti Global’s one-two
- Kirkwood lightly hit barrier, causing a red flag stoppage
- Pato O’Ward and Alex Palou secured third and fourth
- Qualifying set for 1 p.m. ET; race Sunday at 12:30 p.m. ET
Kyle Kirkwood tops Saturday’s pre-qualifying practice at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix, leading an Andretti Global one-two as cool conditions reshape tyre preparation ahead of the decisive afternoon session.
Kirkwood clocks 1:01.8145 in the No. 27 Sam’s Club Honda. Teammate Will Power is second on 1:01.9453 in the No. 26 TWG AI Honda on the 1.645-mile, nine-turn layout.
Air hovered near 60 degrees, roughly 20 cooler than Friday. Kirkwood’s best lap arrives on his final tour, the 11th on fresh Firestone primaries, which find grip progressively with heat.
A light barrier brush mid-session triggers a red flag and bends a toe link. Kirkwood reports the car felt “a little loose,” with the contact snapping at an awkward angle.
Kirkwood’s 1:01.8145 leads Andretti Global’s one-two in Detroit practice.
The progressive primary-tyre run-ins open strategy options for qualifying and the race. Longer build phases could prove decisive if temperatures remain cool and track evolution stays modest.
Pato O’Ward climbs to third with 1:02.1949 in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet. Three-time champion Alex Palou is fourth on 1:02.2573 for HRC Chip Ganassi Racing.
Scott McLaughlin heads Team Penske’s charge in fifth with 1:02.2922 in the No. 3 Clarience Technologies Chevrolet, underscoring a compact spread among the leading contenders.
Two cars returned early after engine smoke: Rinus VeeKay and Christian Lundgaard.
Rinus VeeKay and Christian Lundgaard pit early after engine smoke appears from their covers. Their teams will investigate swiftly to avoid grid penalties or unscheduled changes before qualifying.
Street circuits continue to suit Andretti. Five of Kirkwood’s six wins come on temporary tracks, including March’s Java House Grand Prix of Arlington, reinforcing his low-grip proficiency.
Qualifying starts at 1 p.m. ET; the 100-lap race begins Sunday at 12:30 p.m. ET.
NTT P1 Award qualifying starts at 1 p.m. ET. Expect emphasis on tyre warm-up and traffic. Sunday’s 100-lap race at 12:30 p.m. ET will reward track position and smart stints.
For context on form trends, revisit our look at how the series arrived into Detroit, including setup priorities and traffic risks.
Fans on site or following remotely can also explore the Detroit Grand Prix special delivery for practical tips and event highlights.
Visual Summary
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Kirkwood vs Power
Andretti 1-2 street sweep as Kirkwood blazes to fastest time in Detroit
Kirkwood
1:01.814
1:01.814
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Power
1:01.945
1:01.945
Cold tires, last-lap heroics — Andretti dominates uncertain Detroit
Tires gain grip every lap
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Wall tap red flag! Kirkwood tests Detroit’s limit
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Pato O’Ward & Palou lurking, hoping to pounce
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VeeKay & Lundgaard sidelined by engine smoke
VeeKay & Lundgaard sidelined by engine smoke
Up Next:
Qualifying at 1pm ET — Street fight set for Sunday’s 100 laps!
Qualifying at 1pm ET — Street fight set for Sunday’s 100 laps!
Brian Thompson focuses on IndyCar Series news, from qualifying speeds at Indianapolis Motor Speedway to street-course race strategy. He delivers concise feature stories and technical breakdowns on chassis setups, tire choices, and championship standings for open-wheel enthusiasts.
