In the 2025 IndyCar season, Kyle Kirkwood had a breakout year, finishing fourth in the championship standings with three wins, including his first oval victory. He was a primary rival to Alex Palou, taking wins at Long Beach, Detroit, and St. Louis. As of the Freedom 250 in August 2026, he had two wins in the 2026 season and was second in the title race, 91 points behind Alex Palou.