The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is set to host a thrilling racing exhibition at The Thermal Club in Southern California during the 2024 season. This special event will be tailor-made for television and will feature a $1 million prize for the winner. Race Day is scheduled for Sunday, March 24, with qualifications and an NTT INDYCAR SERIES Open Test taking place on March 22-23. The entire event will be broadcasted on NBC, giving fans the chance to witness the intense wheel-to-wheel action.
The $1 Million Challenge at The Thermal Club will not award championship points, but it boasts an impressive multimillion-dollar prize pool. To kick off the festivities, a draw party will be held, bringing together members of The Thermal Club, race teams, and drivers. The weekend agenda includes a qualifying session and two exciting heat races, with the top six contenders from each heat earning a spot in the All-Star showcase. The top five teams to cross the finish line will share their winnings with The Thermal Club members, including a generous $1 million reward for the victors.
Penske Entertainment Corp. President & CEO Mark Miles expressed his excitement about the new event, stating that The Thermal Club, located near the world's premier entertainment market, is the perfect venue to showcase the NTT INDYCAR SERIES' hyper-competitive racing and growing star power. The Thermal Club, a private facility nestled near Palm Springs, offers world-class amenities such as luxurious homes, a motorsports village, and top-tier gourmet restaurants. It was named "Professional Motorsport Facility of the Year" in 2017.
John Rodgers, owner of The Thermal Club, expressed his pride in welcoming INDYCAR back for the 2024 season, following a successful test in 2023. He emphasized the professionalism of the teams, drivers, and the entire INDYCAR SERIES paddock and looks forward to developing a strong relationship with them in the future. The marquee racing showcase promises to be special for everyone involved, including spectators, Thermal members, and race fans tuning in from home. INDYCAR is excited to return to The Thermal Club and showcase the sport in a new light.