P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Race format set for IndyCar’s non-points exhibition at Thermal
Located just outside Palm Springs in California, the event will feature a two-day open test, group qualifying sessions, two heat races, and a 12-car “all-star” battle for a record-breaking purse of $1.756 million, the largest outside of the Indy 500. This non-points race will be the first outside of Indianapolis not to count towards the championship since Surfers Paradise 2008. Mark Miles, President & CEO of Penske Entertainment Corp., anticipates an exciting event that will bring extra energy and drama to the IndyCar Series. The draw party on March 21 will pair Thermal Club members with the 27 full-time teams for immersive race integration experiences. Qualifying will be split into two groups after the draw party, with each group having a 12-minute session to set the heat race starting order on Sunday. The event will culminate in heat races determining the final 12-car field, each with 10 laps or 20 minutes and new Firestone tyres allotted, with the winner taking home a $500,000 prize.
