- Kyffin Simpson finishes third in Toronto for his maiden INDYCAR podium
- 20-year-old Chip Ganassi Racing driver climbs from 14th with strong pace and strategy
- Simpson credits improved qualifying and team execution for recent form
Kyffin Simpson claimed the first podium of his NTT INDYCAR SERIES career on Sunday, finishing third in the No. 8 Journie Rewards Chip Ganassi Racing Honda at the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto. It was the 20-year-old’s best result in 30 career starts and a major milestone in his rapid development with Chip Ganassi Racing.
The Cayman Islands native had no top-10 finishes in his first 19 races but has since found form, scoring five top-10 results in his last 11 starts. Four of those have come in the past seven events, including three on street circuits, where Simpson has consistently looked more comfortable.
He continued that upward trajectory in Toronto, charging from 14th on the grid to third at the flag. “Morale is very high right now,” Simpson said. “We’ve all been making big strides all year. Pit stops have gotten better with every race, and strategy has been on point all season. I feel like I’ve learned a lot this year and just grown more comfortable in the car.”
Simpson also credited his improved qualifying performances for putting him in a stronger position to compete on race day. “Qualifying has been a big step up this year,” he explained. “Everything’s kind of coming together for us. We’re in a good spot. We’ve got some work to do on the ovals, but as far as road and street courses go, I think we’re looking pretty good.”
The result adds to a streak that already included a fifth-place finish from 19th on the grid in Detroit and a sixth-place run from 23rd at Road America. In Toronto, he matched that same upward momentum with his most complete weekend yet, rounding out a podium shared with race winner Pato O’Ward and runner-up Rinus VeeKay.
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