Honda's Kyle Kirkwood Claims Pole Position at Nashville

Kyle Kirkwood, driving the #27 Andretti Global Honda, secured Kyle Kirkwood pole Nashville for the Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway. His qualifying effort included a two-lap average speed of 196.852 miles per hour, making him the only driver to break into the 197 MPH bracket during the session. This achievement marks a significant moment for Kirkwood and Honda as they prepare for tomorrow's race.

Kirkwood's Dominant Qualifying Performance

Kirkwood's pole position at Nashville Superspeedway highlights a strong season for the Andretti Global driver. He was the sole competitor among 25 NTT INDYCAR SERIES entrants to achieve a lap speed exceeding 197 miles per hour. This performance adds to his consistent record, with 10 top-10 finishes in 11 races this season, including a victory at the Java House Grand Prix of Arlington earlier in the year.

The point earned for securing Kyle Kirkwood pole Nashville will help him in the championship standings. He currently trails championship leader Alex Palou by 56 points. Kirkwood expressed satisfaction with the pole, noting the strong performance of his Honda-powered car and his determination to convert the front-row start into a strong race result.

Championship Contenders and Honda's Strong Showing

Championship leader Alex Palou, driving the #10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, qualified fourth for the Nashville event. Palou, who has already secured four wins this season, aims to extend his lead and potentially achieve his first oval victory of the 2026 season. He indicated contentment with a second-row start, believing his car is well-prepared for the race.

Palou's Chip Ganassi Racing teammate, Scott Dixon, qualified fifth in his #9 Honda machine, ensuring two Honda-powered cars from the team start in the top five. Veteran driver Dixon is still seeking his first win of 2026, hoping to continue his streak of consecutive NTT INDYCAR SERIES seasons with a victory, which currently stands at an impressive 22. Additionally, Marcus Armstrong of Meyer Shank Racing qualified eighth, and Marcus Ericsson of Andretti Global secured tenth, further demonstrating Honda's strong presence in the top 10.

Race Details and Broadcast Information

The Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix is scheduled for tomorrow at Nashville Superspeedway. Television coverage of the race will commence at 4:30 PM CT / 5:30 PM ET on Fox, following the conclusion of the World Cup final. Full, flag-to-flag race coverage will also be available via the INDYCAR Radio Network and SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation (Channel 160).

Race organizers have indicated that the green flag for the event could be delayed if the World Cup final extends into extra time. This scheduling adjustment ensures that viewers can follow both major sporting events.

Honda-powered teams have demonstrated competitive form during qualifying for the Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix. With Kyle Kirkwood pole Nashville and multiple Honda drivers starting within the top 10, the manufacturer is well-positioned for a strong showing in tomorrow's race at Nashville Superspeedway. The event is set to be a key moment in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship battle.