Kyle Kirkwood expressed frustration with the recent repaving at Iowa Speedway ahead of the IndyCar double-header scheduled for July 11-12. The 0.875-mile oval, owned by NASCAR, was resurfaced before the track’s inaugural Cup Series race in 2024, leading to significant changes affecting race dynamics. Kirkwood highlighted that the added asphalt on the lower sections of the corners has rendered the high line largely unusable, which has altered the racing experience at the venue.
IndyCar had previously delivered exciting races at Iowa, but the 2024 double-header failed to meet expectations, producing mostly single-lane racing that limited overtaking opportunities. Kirkwood, driving for Andretti Global, shared his views during a test session at Iowa, where new aerodynamic and tire packages were being trialed to enhance competition on the oval.
“This needs to be one of the best for oval racing because of the tire deg that we get, and what would happen throughout a race. Now, the race looks a lot different here. It’s frustrating that the racing doesn’t feel as fun. But at the same time, it’s just changed the dynamic of how we dictate strategy and how we go out there and race, which is still something that we have to focus on and get it done.”
—Kyle Kirkwood, Andretti Global driver
Despite his frustrations, Kirkwood emphasized that the repaving has shifted the strategic approach teams must take, even if it has diminished some excitement for drivers and fans alike. His results at Iowa this year were mixed, with a seventh-place finish in the first race and only sixteenth in the second, echoing a similar pattern from 2023.
Over the course of the 2024 season, Kirkwood has been among the top performers, notching three wins and standing out as the only competitor to triumph over reigning champion Alex Palou, who has claimed six wins in nine races.
Kirkwood Refutes New Hybrid Power Units as Cause for Struggles at Iowa Speedway
The introduction of new hybrid power units in the 2025 IndyCar season brought criticism due to added weight and handling challenges, with cars becoming over 100 pounds heavier. Drivers raised concerns about their impact on racing quality, but the hybrids generally improved competition on oval circuits.
During Wednesday’s test at Iowa, Kirkwood addressed questions about what is necessary for closer racing similar to what he experienced at Gateway, where the hybrids contributed to a thrilling win. He insisted that the repaved surface, not the hybrid systems, is primarily responsible for the current racing difficulties.
“If I’m being completely honest, the pavement here is… It’s not the hybrid that has done anything,”
—Kyle Kirkwood, Andretti Global driver
“If anything, our oval races have been good with the hybrid, right? Everywhere else we go, Milwaukee is a great race, Indy is a great race, Nashville is a phenomenal race.”
—Kyle Kirkwood, Andretti Global driver
“This (Iowa) is the one that eluded us last year from having a good race. It’s because the new pavement has made the track so, so fast that following gaps have to be so much bigger to get lap times out of it.”
—Kyle Kirkwood, Andretti Global driver
Kirkwood also acknowledged that the repaving was necessary for NASCAR to enhance their event’s appeal, but the changes have not benefited the IndyCar series. The 2024 Iowa double-header was dominated by Team Penske, with Scott McLaughlin winning the first race and Will Power taking the second, highlighting how the current track conditions may favor certain teams.
What the Future Holds for Iowa Speedway and IndyCar Competition
The impact of Iowa Speedway’s repaving on IndyCar racing raises questions about how the series can adapt to maintain thrilling, competitive oval races. With teams currently testing new aero and tire setups, there is hope that future modifications will foster closer racing despite the track’s altered surface. Kirkwood’s comments underline that while the racing experience has changed, drivers and teams remain committed to evolving strategy and performance to meet the challenge.
As the July double-header approaches, all eyes will be on whether adjustments bring back the excitement traditionally seen at Iowa or if further changes to the track or car setups will be needed to sustain engaging IndyCar contests at this venue.
