
Kirkwood arrives in IndyCar with a phenomenally strong reputation from Road to Indy’s junior open-wheel categories, the first driver to claim the championship in USF2000, Indy Pro 2000 and Indy Lights.
However, Andretti Autosport, with whom he raced in Indy Lights, were unable to create a slot for him in IndyCar, after Michael Andretti’s Formula 1 plans with Alfa Romeo fell through. It meant Colton Herta, who scored three wins last year, didn’t depart the IndyCar team.