P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Sunday’s $1 Million Challenge all-star race at The Thermal Club is expected to go one of two ways: Pure boredom or pure mayhem. Constructed in a heat-based format that’s not too dissimilar from Ind…
The $1 Million Challenge all-star race at The Thermal Club on Sunday is anticipated to be either a dull event or full of chaos. The format includes two 10-lap heats in the morning, with the top six from each advancing to the 20-lap grand finale. The finale will feature a pit stop halfway through for refueling and setup changes before determining the final order. There are doubts about how the race will unfold at this private road course in the southern California desert. Drivers are contemplating the risks of pursuing the cash prize versus potential damage to their cars and future race implications. For young drivers like 23-year-old Rinus VeeKay, the prize money serves as a motivating factor, and the unique format of the race encourages a more aggressive approach. The open test on Friday-Saturday will allow teams to fine-tune their setups for the race weekend, with drivers aiming to secure a spot in the top 12 for a shot at the prize money.