Kirkwood Wins Inaugural Java House Grand Prix of Arlington

Andretti Global driver dominates street race, extends IndyCar points lead

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:25am

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Andretti Global's Kyle Kirkwood won the inaugural Java House Grand Prix of Arlington, the third race of the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series season. Kirkwood led a 1-3-4 finish for Andretti Global, beating four-time and current champion Alex Palou (Chip Ganassi Racing) by 0.314 seconds. The victory was Kirkwood's fifth on a street course and moved him into the points lead for the first time in his IndyCar career.

Why it matters

Kirkwood's dominant performance at the new street race in Arlington, Texas, showcases the strength of the Andretti Global team and Honda power in the early stages of the 2026 IndyCar season. The race also highlighted the clean and competitive racing between Kirkwood and Palou, two of the series' top young talents.

The details

Kirkwood started second after a self-described "massive mental error" in qualifying, but he quickly passed pole-sitter Marcus Ericsson, his Andretti Global teammate, and then overtook Palou on Lap 55 for the lead. Kirkwood said his car was superior in straight-line speed and braking, allowing him to make the decisive pass on Palou. The race featured just two cautions in the final three laps.

  • The Java House Grand Prix of Arlington took place on Sunday, March 16, 2026.
  • Kirkwood made the race-winning pass on Palou on Lap 55 of the 70-lap event.

The players

Kyle Kirkwood

The 24-year-old driver for Andretti Global, who won for the first time this season and the fifth time on a street course in his IndyCar career.

Alex Palou

The four-time and current IndyCar champion, who drives for Chip Ganassi Racing and finished second to Kirkwood.

Will Power

The 45-time IndyCar race winner and two-time series champion, who is Kirkwood's new teammate at Andretti Global and finished third.

Marcus Ericsson

The pole-sitter for the race, who finished fourth driving for the Andretti Global team.

Jerry Jones

The owner of the Dallas Cowboys, whose team's stadium and surrounding entertainment district hosted the inaugural Java House Grand Prix of Arlington.

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What they’re saying

“It's because of this race car that we won today. It's because of teamwork. One, three and four for Andretti—that's absolutely incredible. And we're just so stacked here and so stoked. We're definitely going to celebrate well tonight.”

— Kyle Kirkwood

“Kirkwood was really fast. He just passed me incredibly. It was a very awesome overtake. Should have obviously defended a little bit better. It's very easy to say now. Honestly, didn't really have much for him. I think I'm really happy getting on the podium and trying to steal a little bit of Andretti's party this weekend.”

— Alex Palou

“Honestly, I just wanted to have a clean weekend after the first two. Last week we had a shot at the win or at least a podium. It's very nice to get one today.”

— Will Power

“Kirkwood definitely is the full package. He does his homework. He's the real deal, man. From go-karting all the way up, he's won every single championship. This guy is very good. Very good. Incredible. He doesn't do it just through natural ability. He works hard. He's a very good teammate. This guy's a lot for me to learn off of. Very impressive. I think he'll be tough to beat this year in the championship. I really do.”

— Will Power

What’s next

The IndyCar Series will shift to Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama for the March 29 race, the fourth event of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Kirkwood's dominant victory at the inaugural Java House Grand Prix of Arlington showcases the strength of the Andretti Global team and Honda power in the early stages of the 2026 IndyCar season. The clean and competitive racing between Kirkwood and Palou highlights the next generation of top talent in the series.