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But by the time the sun came out, Kyle Kirkwood had made the race his own, steering his Honda to an easy victory in the 50th running of the iconic IndyCar race.

It was Kirkwood’s second victory in three years at Long Beach and third IndyCar win overall — and it wasn’t really close, with Kirkwood leading for 34 of the 90 laps around the Long Beach Convention Center.

Kirkwood, who won at Long Beach two years ago after qualifying first, started on the pole again Sunday, lining up next to Andretti Global teammate Colton Herta of Santa Clarita.

Kirkwood, sixth in the IndyCar Series driver standings last year, held the lead until the eighth lap Sunday, when he pitted to dump his softer alternate tires, which provide grip but wear down quickly.

Kirkwood had another quick pit stop, his third of the race, on Lap 66, coming out ahead of Palou’s Honda but behind the Honda of Kyffin Simpson, Palou’s teammate with Chip Ganassi Racing.