The event located just outside of Palm Springs in California will feature a two-day open test, group qualifying sessions, two heat races and a 12-car “all-star” battle for a purse of $1.756 million – the largest purse for an IndyCar Series race outside of the Indianapolis 500.
A non-points paying event, this will mark the first time since Surfers Paradise 2008 that an IndyCar a race does not count toward the championship.
“This will be an incredible new event for the IndyCar Series,” said Mark Miles, Penske Entertainment Corp. President & CEO.
“The unique format and record-setting purse will bring extra energy and drama to a competition set against a scenic and compelling backdrop.
“We can’t wait for viewers across the country to tune-in on NBC and look forward to an amazing weekend with Tim Rogers and his team at The Thermal Club.”
A draw party is set to take place on Thursday 21 March, where Thermal Club members will be paired with the 27 full-time teams scheduled to test before participating in the unique event.
According to IndyCar, “members will be embedded with their respective teams with immersive integration, including – but not limited to – team meetings, driver question-and-answer sessions, racecraft instruction and tips, and use of premium, authentic race team gear.”
The aforementioned draw party will also have a random draw to divide the field into two groups for qualifying, which will take place on Saturday 23 March. Each group will have a 12-minute session to navigate the 17-turn, 3.067-mile circuit and set the starting order of the heat races for Sunday. Each driver will only have 40s of push-to-pass available for qualifying.
Heat races, which haven’t been seen in IndyCar since 2013 at Iowa, will be held on Sunday 24 March and determine the 12-car field for the event’s ultimate prize.
Source: Autosport