P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Processional waste of time? Or start of something big? IndyCar’s $1million non-championship Thermal event split opinions. Here’s our take
Depending on who you spoke to, IndyCar’s $1 million non-championship race at Thermal was seen as either a snooze-fest or an instant classic. Held at the exclusive Thermal Club, the event allowed IndyCar to experiment with a new format. Despite a dominant win by Alex Palou, indications suggest potential for a more exciting race format in the future. The Race evaluates the race’s success, where it fell short, potential fixes, and its future prospects. IndyCar, criticized for stagnation, tried something new with a unique format, splitting the field into heats before a final race at Thermal. Ultimately, the lavish facility and track proved intriguing, although spectator accessibility remains a concern.
