During the second practice session at Laguna Seca, a sudden rain interruption led to an unexpected and entertaining moment where Kyle Kirkwood took over the microphone from FOX pit lane reporter Georgia Henneberry. This amusing role reversal unfolded as the Andretti driver posed questions to Henneberry, injecting humor into the delayed session.
The IndyCar Grand Prix of Monterey weekend started with Friday’s first practice, where Pato O’Ward set the pace, while Kyle Kirkwood, a three-time winner this season, ranked seventh on the timing board. However, initial practice sessions often do not fully indicate the competitive picture, as the second practice usually provides a clearer outlook for qualifying.
With weather conditions disrupting normal proceedings in the second session, FOX reporters remained engaged in the pit lane. It was here that Georgia Henneberry encountered Kirkwood holding her microphone and found herself unexpectedly interviewed by the driver.
Kirkwood initiated the exchange by asking,
“We’re standing here in front of the 27 crew, so what do you think about the session? How’s it going to be?”
The switch caught Henneberry off guard, and she responded,
“Me? You’re asking me? Well I hope it gets going.”
They then discussed their shared desire for a clearer track assessment before qualifying commenced later that day. Kirkwood humorously remarked,
“Maybe I’ll have a future in this, maybe I’ll take one of your guys’ jobs.”
Kyle Kirkwood remains one of four drivers to have secured victories so far in the 2025 season, signaling a competitive campaign ahead.
Kyle Kirkwood Reflects on His Multiple Wins and Season Momentum
At the start of the season, Kyle Kirkwood and Alex Palou dominated podium finishes, creating a two-driver battle for top honors. Scott Dixon’s victory at the Mid-Ohio Grand Prix expanded the list of race winners, but Kirkwood, Palou, and Pato O’Ward continue to be the only drivers with multiple wins this year.
Discussing how these victories have influenced his confidence and team dynamics, Kirkwood shared with FOX Sports,
“Momentum. That’s the best thing about winning. It brings a team around you. It allows people to work harder without acknowledging the effort that they put in. It just builds and compounds interest on top of winning. You go on to the next weekend, you have confidence. You want to win. You want to keep progressing.”
He added,
“And it’s starting to show a little bit. We’re consistently at the front now. Like we’re winning a couple races and there is that momentum that’s behind it. So that’s the best thing about winning.”
Despite his successes, Kirkwood currently holds third place in the season standings, trailing leader Alex Palou by 173 points, highlighting a challenging gap to close as the championship progresses.
Implications for Upcoming IndyCar Events and Kirkwood’s Growth
This lighthearted pit lane moment reveals Kirkwood’s approachable personality amid a highly competitive season where every session counts. As weather impacts continuing practice runs, the ability to adapt remains crucial for drivers and teams preparing for qualifying and the race.
Kyle Kirkwood IndyCar pitlane role reversal not only entertained fans but also provided a glimpse of the camaraderie and spontaneity that exists behind the scenes in the fast-paced environment at Laguna Seca.
Moving forward, Kirkwood’s growing momentum and experience in clutch moments position him as a strong contender in the ongoing championship race, with upcoming events likely intensifying the battle among the season’s top drivers.
