P1racenews AI automatic summary:
IndyCar boss Miles admits Thermal non-points race is "really a VIP weekend"
On September 10, it was announced that a special made-for-TV event would be held at a private facility in Palm Springs, California, with a $1m prize for the winner. The event would take place on March 24, following an Open Test and qualifications on March 22-23. The limited number of tickets available caused a stir among fans. On October 20, 2,000 tickets were quietly put on sale on Ticketmaster for $2,000, offering a three-day VIP experience including access to the pits and premium track views. As of now, neither IndyCar nor The Thermal Club have provided information on ticket sales publicly. There have been mixed reactions from fans, with some seeing it as an opportunity for the sport to gain sponsors, while others express frustration with economic inequality. According to IndyCar CEO Mark Miles, the event was never meant to be a typical IndyCar race and was designed to develop relationships in a more private setting. The facility is not set up for ticketed events, hence the high price and limited availability. The event will be broadcast on NBC for fans to enjoy.
