After taking pole at the first race last season, the driver of Team Penske's No. 3 Chevy faded to an uncharacteristic 10th in the championship, and is eager to make up for it this year.

Alex Palou was four years, one month and five days old when Scott Dixon won his first IndyCar race. The New Zealander was 20 years, 11 months, and 15 days old at the time. Father Time has added age and experience to both men.

Kirkwood was facing a 150-point deficit after Indy, but has cut that in half since.