Kyle Kirkwood Signs New Multi-Year Contract With Andretti Global
In a move that surprised absolutely no one with a pulse, Andretti Global has officially locked down Kyle Kirkwood with a multi-year contract extension. Kirkwood will remain planted in the No. 27 Honda, a seat he’s made his own since rejoining the team that basically raised him through the motorsport ranks. The press release, predictably, didn’t spill the beans on the exact length or financial terms of the deal, because where’s the fun in transparency?
Kirkwood’s Journey
Kyle Kirkwood’s journey back to Andretti is the stuff of a well-worn sports narrative. He was the golden boy, the one-man wrecking crew of the developmental leagues, conquering every step of the Road to Indy ladder—USF2000, USF Pro 2000, and INDY NXT—all under the Andretti banner. It was a run so dominant it felt almost scripted. But, like a promising rookie quarterback stuck behind a veteran, there was no room at the inn when he was ready for the big leagues.
So, off he went for a character-building year with the legendary A.J. Foyt’s squad in 2022. It was a respectable, if not spectacular, rookie season. Then, in 2023, the prodigal son returned to Andretti, and the results started to speak for themselves. This past season was his coming-out party. Not just a win, but three of them—at iconic venues like Long Beach and Detroit, plus a strategic masterclass at World Wide Technology Raceway. He didn’t just win; he contended, finishing a career-best fourth in the championship standings and proving he belongs in the conversation with the series’ elite.
Kirkwood Cements His Place at Andretti
Securing Kirkwood was a no-brainer for Andretti Global. In a driver market that can be as volatile as a Michigan weather forecast, stability is priceless. Kirkwood isn’t just a driver; he’s an investment that has paid dividends. He’s the embodiment of their driver development pipeline, the walking, talking proof that their system works. Letting him walk would have been a catastrophic blunder.
In his own words, Kirkwood sounds like a man who knows he’s right where he belongs. “We’ve had an amazing three years together, and our future together is very bright,” he stated, hitting all the classic PR notes.“ Our trajectory has only been up, and I am confident that we will be fighting again for championships.” You can almost hear the quiet confidence. He knows the team is building something special, from the new state-of-the-art headquarters to the powerhouse driver lineup, and he’s a cornerstone of that project.
A Formidable Trio for 2026
With this extension, Andretti is assembling a lineup for 2026 that looks downright terrifying on paper. Kirkwood will team up with two-time series champion and Indy 500 winner Will Power, and another Indy 500 champion in Marcus Ericsson. That’s a combination of youthful fire, veteran savvy, and ice-cold consistency. On paper, it’s a trio capable of winning any race on the calendar and challenging for the championship.
Andretti Global’s president, Jill Gregory, echoed the sentiment, praising Kirkwood’s “talent, tenacity, and a relentless drive to win.” It’s the kind of corporate-speak you expect, but underneath it is a simple truth: Kyle Kirkwood is a winner, and you don’t let winners go.
So, while the announcement itself was about as surprising as the sun rising in the east, the implications are significant. Andretti has secured its future with a driver who is just entering his prime. Kirkwood has found a long-term home where he can chase championships. For the rest of the INDYCAR paddock, it’s a clear message: the No. 27 car is going to be a problem for the foreseeable future. And frankly, the series is better for it.
