Managing Traffic at Long Beach – Lessons from 2023 That Made the Difference

When it comes to racing on tight street circuits like Long Beach, raw pace alone isn’t enough — managing traffic is just as critical. Kyle Kirkwood knows that better than most, and his performance at the 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach was proof of how far he’s come since his last win there two years ago.

In the 2023 edition of the race, Kirkwood came dangerously close to losing the lead late in the race due to lapped traffic. Josef Newgarden was closing in fast, and for a brief moment, it looked like Kirkwood might be denied a maiden victory. Though he ultimately held on to win, the experience left a lasting impression.

“Two years ago I got caught out by traffic and lost the lead… this year I managed it better,”
Kirkwood reflected during the post-race press conference in 2025.

This time around, the Andretti Global driver executed a more composed and tactical drive, staying sharp through pit sequences and expertly navigating slower cars, especially during the critical final stint when Alex Palou was applying pressure.

He admitted that traffic still played a role in the closing stages, but the difference was how he handled it. In contrast to 2023, where he felt like the race nearly slipped away, Kirkwood maintained control and focus, adjusting to the flow of lapped cars without compromising his pace or strategy.

That evolution — from near-miss to measured mastery — could be a defining trait for Kirkwood in 2025. On a day when every element needed to come together, it was his growth in race management, especially in traffic, that helped seal the win.

And in a series where the margins are razor-thin, learning from the past and making even the smallest adjustments can be the difference between victory and heartbreak.