Andretti Autosport has announced that Kyle Kirkwood will replace Alexander Rossi in the team’s #27 entry starting next season.
The rookie is driving for AJ Foyt Racing this season after winning all three Road to Indy series championships in consecutive years, including an Indy Lights championship while driving for Andretti.
Kirkwood currently sits 21st in the points standings, but is higher in the standings than his team-mates and clearly has made a positive impression on other teams on the grid.
“I couldn’t be more excited to return to Andretti Autosport next year and represent AutoNation and Honda.” said Kirkwood in the release.
“Andretti Autosport is a place I’ve called home for years past and I have truly felt like family. I have a ton of loyalty to the team, and it means a lot to have Michael and the Andretti team offer me this opportunity.
“I have worked extremely hard this season and will continue to work harder every day for the A.J. Foyt team. I want to thank the entire team at A.J. Foyt Racing for giving me the opportunity to compete in the NTT IndyCar Series.
“The group on the No. 14 car have been incredible and I am beyond grateful to them for all the amazing experiences we have been able to share together so far this season.”
The entry Kirkwood is moving into is currently filled by Alexander Rossi, who had been rumored to be moving to Arrow McLaren SP in the near future after a few years of disappointing results with his current arrangement.
With this announcement, Rossi’s departure from Andretti Autosport is confirmed after seven years together, with further news about his future expected in the near term.
“Alexander [Rossi] has been a great contender for us, and we’ve enjoyed having him as part of the team for seven seasons,” said Michael Andretti. “He’s won races and become a leader in the team, but all careers and all teams evolve, and we’ve mutually decided it’s time for each of us to move on.
“I have no doubt he’ll have a continued, successful IndyCar career and we wish him the best. In the meantime, we are all working hard to finish the 2022 season strong.”
… kind of reminds me of Chris Amon –