P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Kyle Kirkwood, Andretti Global’s defending race — and pole — winner at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, gives RACER the inside line on how to lap the 11-turn, 1.968-mile street cours…
Kyle Kirkwood, the defending race and pole winner at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach for Andretti Global, shares insights on navigating the 1.968-mile street course in an NTT IndyCar Series race car. During qualifying, the Firestone compound from St. Petersburg allows for potentially two to three laps, changing the strategy for setting a competitive time. Proper exit setup at Turn 11 is crucial for gaining time on the front straight due to the close competition and importance of every fraction of a second in the 66- to 67-second lap. Utilizing the curved Shoreline Drive for a drafting advantage can enhance speed on the front straight, making Turn 1 a prime passing zone early in the race. Managing the challenging fountain roundabout involves adjusting driving techniques based on the car’s handling characteristics, evolving grip levels, and track conditions. Turn 4 stands out as a relatively straightforward corner that sets up the approach to Turn 5, offering an opportunity to carry unexpected speed and optimize the racing line on the Long Beach street circuit.
