Kirkwood Captures Inaugural Grand Prix of Arlington

Late-race cautions help rising star overtake reigning champion Palou

Mar. 15, 2026 at 7:13pm

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Kyle Kirkwood of Andretti Global emerged victorious in the inaugural Java House Grand Prix of Arlington, reeling in reigning NTT IndyCar Series champion Alex Palou late in the race. Kirkwood took the lead on Lap 55 and held off Palou in a dramatic finish that saw multiple late-race cautions bunch up the field.

Why it matters

Kirkwood's win adds to his growing reputation as a top street-course racer in the IndyCar Series, while the inaugural Arlington event marks an important new addition to the schedule in a key market for the sport.

The details

Kirkwood, driving the No. 27 JM Bullion/Gold.com Honda, passed Palou's No. 10 DHL Honda on Lap 55 and then held off the reigning champion through a pair of late-race restarts to secure the victory. The race featured eight lead changes among five drivers and 151 total passes, with Kirkwood, Palou, and Will Power each leading 16 laps.

  • The race was scheduled for 70 laps on the 2.73-mile, 14-turn street circuit.
  • Kirkwood took the lead from Palou on Lap 55.
  • A caution with three laps remaining bunched the field for a restart on Lap 70.
  • Another caution flew after the Lap 70 restart for an incident involving Nolan Siegel and Romain Grosjean.

The players

Kyle Kirkwood

The rising star driver for Andretti Global, who won three races in 2025 and is known for his prowess on street courses.

Alex Palou

The reigning four-time NTT IndyCar Series champion from Spain, driving for Chip Ganassi Racing.

Will Power

The veteran driver for Andretti Global, who also led laps during the race.

Marcus Ericsson

The Swedish driver who started the race on pole position.

Nolan Siegel

The driver involved in a late-race incident that brought out a caution.

Romain Grosjean

The driver also involved in the late-race incident with Nolan Siegel.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think I'd be here if I didn't think I had a chance to win this race. Hard to predict, but if history repeats itself, especially street courses with long straights and big brake zones tend to be really good for us. This is that on steroids.”

— Kyle Kirkwood (dallasnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Kirkwood's victory highlights his growing reputation as a top street-course racer in the IndyCar Series, while the inaugural Arlington event marks an important new addition to the schedule in a key market for the sport.