Andretti Global Builds Unstoppable Momentum After Victories in Markham and D.C.

Andretti Global’s resurgence builds after Kyle Kirkwood’s Washington, D.C., win and Marcus Ericsson’s Markham triumph, setting up a Milwaukee doubleheader as the NTT INDYCAR SERIES enters its final three races.

Kirkwood won the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, while Ericsson captured the inaugural Markham Honda Dealers Indy, with Will Power third in both, underscoring the team’s repeatable execution across formats.

Kirkwood sits second in points, 91 behind Alex Palou, with three races remaining. That margin demands wins and clean execution to apply late pressure.

The season’s penultimate act arrives at Milwaukee Mile: Saturday’s Snap-on Makers and Fixers 250 at 2:30 p.m. ET, then Sunday’s Snap-on Milwaukee Mile 250 at 1 p.m. ET.

Both races air on FOX, FOX One, and INDYCAR Radio, giving Andretti a prominent showcase for its current form.

Recent gains reflect improved car versatility. Kirkwood credits the engineering group for delivering wider operating windows on street circuits, road courses, and ovals.

New team principal Ron Ruzewski, recruited from Team Penske last offseason, blends race engineering rigor with clear management lines, sharpening development priorities and execution discipline.

Power’s arrival from Penske added winning reference points. His 65 NTT P1 Awards and 42 victories, including the 2018 Indianapolis 500, anchor setup direction and validate the group’s upward trend.

Ericsson’s form earned a contract extension. Four straight top-six finishes, plus six top-eight results in the last eight starts, show consistency that supports strategy freedom and risk calibration.

While Ericsson and Power are now ineligible for the title, running seventh and tenth respectively, both are live threats for wins that could shape opponents’ championship math.

Andretti last strung three wins together in 2012, when Ryan Hunter-Reay prevailed at Milwaukee, Iowa, and Toronto. A repeat would confirm the current trajectory’s depth, not just its headline speed.

Progress first flashed at Markham, where operational sharpness matched raw pace during Andretti Global’s win, reinforcing lessons now carried into Milwaukee.

In Washington, D.C., execution under pressure tightened further, as detailed in the historic DC race weekend, giving the group belief it can dictate terms late.

Milwaukee’s abrasive surface and twin-race format will test tire management, traffic handling, and pit choreography. Those are exactly the areas Andretti’s recent uplift appears to strengthen.

Laguna Seca on September 6 then closes the campaign, where one-lap commitment at the Corkscrew and thermal degradation trends will reward cars with a stable rear platform.

The immediate target is clear: sustain podium frequency at Milwaukee, keep Kirkwood’s title chances alive, and convert the current baseline into a durable 2027 development foundation.

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Brian Thompson

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.