The exhibition race at the 17-turn, 3.067-mile circuit will take place on Sunday, 24 March, following an Open Test and qualifications on the Friday and Saturday.
Per the series release, the event “will receive a network broadcast showcase on NBC”.
“The IndyCar Series will add an incredible new event to our schedule with next year’s spectacular racing showcase at The Thermal Club,” said Penske Entertainment Corp. president & CEO Mark Miles.
“This world-class venue just down the road from the world’s premier entertainment market is the perfect place to bring our hyper-competitive racing and growing star power.”
Championship points will not be on the line. The event, which will feature a multimillion-dollar purse, will begin with a draw party and “embed members of The Thermal Club with each race team and driver”.
The format for the weekend will consist of a qualifying session, along with two heat races, with the top six from each advancing to an All-Star showcase. The top five finishing teams will split their earnings with The Thermal Club members.
A charitable component to the unique event will be announced at a later date.
The championship tested at the circuit based outside Palm Springs, California in February ahead of the 2023 season.
“The experience the teams had at The Thermal Club was second to none,” IndyCar president Jay Frye said.
“We treated it like a pre-season scrimmage and, looking back, it was the perfect launch to this record-breaking season.
“The facility is spectacular, and we cannot wait to return and showcase IndyCar in a whole new way.”
Source: Autosport