Kirkwood Tops IndyCar Opening Practice in St. Petersburg, Edges Palou
Kyle Kirkwood topped opening practice at St. Petersburg with a best lap of 1m00.441s in his No. 27 Andretti Global Honda, showcasing strong performance as the 2025 IndyCar season gets underway.
Indycar racing on speedway track
The double street circuit winner from 2023 set his fastest time during the special 10-minute qualifying simulation session on Firestone's alternate tires. Chip Ganassi Racing's Alex Palou led the initial 45-minute session with a 1m01.211s, while Colton Herta topped the second group with a 1m01.060s.
"We obviously got better as the session progressed," said Kirkwood. "We've always been really good on street courses. Nashville was impeccable last year, so I hope this is just a continuation of what we ended the season with, putting us in place as true championship contenders."
Notable incidents included synchronized spins from Meyer Shank Racing teammates Felix Rosenqvist and Marcus Armstrong in Turn 3, with Armstrong's stall causing the session's only red flag. Scott McLaughlin ended practice with wall contact in his Team Penske Chevrolet but is expected to return for Saturday's 10 a.m. ET session.
INDYCAR Practice Results St. Petersburg 2025
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