Washington, D.C. – Andretti Global’s Kyle Kirkwood, the driver of the No. 27 Dallara‑Honda, told the media on Friday that the upcoming Freedom 250 will be a “voyage of discovery” for every team and driver. The race, a one‑off 250‑mile event on the city’s streets, marks the first IndyCar competition on this particular circuit.
Recent success on street courses
Kirkwood entered the weekend fresh off a victory at the inaugural Java House Grand Prix of Arlington, a race held on a similar temporary street layout. He believes that the momentum from that win, combined with the team’s strong performance at the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy in Markham, gives Andretti Global a solid chance to take the checkered flag in Washington.
Preparing for an unknown surface
When asked about the challenges of a brand‑new track, Kirkwood explained that the team has only had limited simulator time on a model that does not fully replicate the real surface. “The simulator has no bumps, it has no different asphalt. It’s kind of just understanding which way the corners go more so than anything,” he said.
He added that a track walk and on‑site observations will be crucial for identifying grip levels, bump locations, and how the pavement behaves in braking zones, straights and corner exits. The drivers will try to match sections of the new circuit to familiar corners from other tracks to help set up the car.
Physical and mental demands
The Freedom 250 will run 147 laps, extending the usual street‑course distance and demanding both stamina and concentration. Kirkwood noted that the heat and length of the race will test drivers’ fitness. “This is why we train and prepare for events like this,” he said, praising his crew’s ability to handle multiple pit stops, a routine they are accustomed to from oval races.
He emphasized the importance of mental preparation, acknowledging that there is limited time for additional practice before the event. “We’ll get out there tomorrow, see how physical it is, and see what we need to do to make sure we’re fresh for the end of the race,” he said.
Championship implications
Heading into the weekend, Kirkwood sits second in the IndyCar championship, 133 points behind defending champion Alex Palou. While the title fight remains open, Kirkwood admitted that catching Palou would require “miracles” – winning every remaining race and hoping Palou encounters a series of poor results.
“Our goal is to try to win every single event from here on out,” Kirkwood said, underscoring the team’s ambition to finish the season strongly.
Looking ahead
Beyond the competitive aspects, Kirkwood expressed personal excitement about racing on the streets of the nation’s capital. “I’m celebrating the fact that I get to drive an indoor car around the streets of D.C. – that’s pretty cool,” he said, adding that he hopes the event will be remembered fondly in years to come.
Kirkwood will take part in two practice sessions on Saturday morning, followed by qualifying later that day, before the Freedom 250 kicks off on Sunday.
Original reporting: All Sports Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
