The 2027 NTT IndyCar Series season kicked off with a bang at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, where Will Power set the early pace in practice. The Australian driver covered the challenging 1.968-mile circuit in a blistering 1 minute, 7.6053 seconds, putting him firmly at the top of the leaderboard.
Power's dominant performance was followed closely by Scott McLaughlin, who recorded the second-best time with a lap of 1 minute, 7.7914 seconds. However, McLaughlin's hopes of challenging Power were dashed when his car got loose and he spun into the tire barrier.
Kyle Kirkwood, the lone driver to finish in the top five at all four races, was third-fastest in the first practice for Andretti Global, a team that has won six of the past 14 street races. Kirkwood's success on this circuit is well-documented, having won two previous times from pole position.
Andretti Global's strong showing was also thanks to Alex Palou, who gave Chip Ganassi representation in the top five. Meanwhile, Marcus Armstrong rounded out the fastest five, marking a promising start for Meyer Shank Racing.
The drama is building as the teams prepare for qualifying on Saturday. Christian Rasmussen was presented with a trophy for being named Motorsports Driver of the Year by the Danish Automobile Association, an honor that reflects his dedication to the sport.
Rasmussen's journey to becoming a professional driver has been long and arduous, but he remains humble and grateful for the opportunities he has had. His speech at the press conference was a testament to his passion for racing and his desire to inspire others.
The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is shaping up to be an exciting event, with Power leading the charge. The 90-lap, 177.12-mile race promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with teams battling it out for position.
The live broadcast on FOX will provide fans with an immersive experience, while the FS1 and FS2 coverage will offer in-depth analysis and commentary. With so much at stake, every second counts.
As the teams prepare for qualifying, they must also contend with the pressure of performing under scrutiny. Will Power's dominant performance sets a high standard, but Scott McLaughlin and Kyle Kirkwood are sure to push him hard on Saturday.
