Kyle Kirkwood sets a blistering pace in Detroit warmup

Kyle Kirkwood sent a shockwave through the paddock this morning on the streets of Detroit. Driving the No. 27 Sam’s Club Honda for Andretti Global, he clocked a stunning 1:02.4051 lap. To put it mildly, that is an insane margin—over six-tenths of a second faster than anyone else on track.

It is a massive statement of intent for his title defense here. Felix Rosenqvist, fresh off his victory in the 2026 Indianapolis 500, managed second in his No. 60 Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian Honda, while Pato O’Ward finished third for Arrow McLaren. It was a beautiful display of speed from Kirkwood, who looks absolutely dialed in for the 100-lap race despite starting sixth.

Elsewhere, Scott McLaughlin proved his consistency once again in the No. 3 Team Penske Chevrolet, landing fourth. It was a heartening recovery for David Malukas in the No. 12 Team Penske Chevrolet, who climbed back into the top five after a brutal qualifying crash yesterday. Meanwhile, championship leader Alex Palou kept a low profile in his No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, finishing eighth.