P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The $1 Million Challenge at The Thermal Club was a perfect concept to shorten the long six-week span between IndyCar’s first race of the season at St. Petersburg and its second in late April at Lon…
The $1 Million Challenge at The Thermal Club was a successful concept in bridging the gap between IndyCar races in St. Petersburg and Long Beach. It started as a pre-season testing event in 2023 and evolved into an in-season test and non-championship race for money. Penske Entertainment CEO Mark Miles plans to assess feedback from drivers, teams, and the overall racing experience to determine the future direction of the event. The inclusion of spectators at the private facility during the IndyCar event received positive reviews, offering a unique and immersive experience for fans at a more affordable price point. However, the prospect of Thermal Club becoming a full points-paying race is uncertain due to limited fan attendance, which raises questions about the event’s compatibility with IndyCar’s fan-centric approach. Further discussions and evaluations will be crucial in determining the optimal path for The Thermal Club in the IndyCar series.
