P1racenews AI automatic summary:
This weekend IndyCar will contest an exhibition round at a private motor club facility, giving teams and drivers a chance
It has been 16 years since IndyCar has held a non-points-paying round, and the series is hoping a unique format will be exciting for drivers and a fun viewing experience for fans watching from home. The Thermal Club is the setting for IndyCar’s first exhibition race in over a decade, set in southern California catering to wealthy racing enthusiasts. Members can even build houses nearby, combining luxury living with their passion for motorsport. The track, with 17 turns spread around 3.067 miles, offers plenty of challenges for drivers, with speeds expected to hit 112 MPH. The unique event format, with precious few fans in attendance, will see drivers tackle open testing, unique qualifying, and intense 10-lap heat races before competing for a final $1 million challenge pot.
