P1racenews AI automatic summary:
IndyCar’s first non-championship round since 2008 will feature heat races and a halftime break for the event finale
IndyCar is hosting a non-championship round at the Thermal Club track in California on March 22-24, featuring the Thermal $1 million Challenge with a $500,000 top prize. This unique event includes heat races and a 20-lap final with a break after 10 laps. The top six from each heat race will make up the 12-car grid for the final event on Sunday evening. Push-to-pass overtake system will be available in qualifying sessions, with drivers getting 40 seconds to use tactically. The exclusive Thermal Club venue near Palm Springs will host this event, with test sessions on Friday and Saturday, qualifying on Saturday evening, and the heats and final on Sunday. Teams can adjust various elements during the final, and only tyres used in the heat races will be allowed for replacements. Exciting line-up of drivers is set to provide thrilling entertainment for the fans in attendance.
