The Thermal Club track recently experimented with a unique race format. IndyCar hosted an open test session and exhibition round at the Thermal Club, offering a cash-only prize. Instead of following the usual set of rules, the $1 Million Challenge consisted of two heat races in the morning, which narrowed down the field to 12 competitors. The final winner was determined through a 20-lap sprint. Interestingly, hot pit stops were not allowed, and drivers were required to use the same set of tires throughout the entire race. As a result, many drivers drove cautiously, conserving grip on their Firestone tires until the last few laps. Alex Palou, who had a dominant performance and earned a substantial amount of prize money, expressed his belief that future races at the club track should adopt a more traditional format, including the awarding of points alongside cash prizes.
Palou shared his thoughts on the timing of potential future races, stating that exhibitions with no points are suitable for both post-season and pre-season events. However, he questioned why the second race of the season was a non-points race and suggested that if they were to return to the Thermal Club, it should be a points-paying race. He also proposed that if they were to organize an exhibition race that is not part of the regular calendar, it would make sense for it to be a non-points event.
The decision to host the initial event at the Thermal Club as a non-points race was influenced by several factors. One of the main reasons was that the track is primarily designed as a members-only facility, with luxurious residences lining the circuit. Currently, the track lacks the infrastructure required to accommodate a large number of fans, midway trailers, and other entertainment elements typically seen in a full championship round. Additionally, the chosen format did not provide the most thrilling moments on the track. In light of this, Palou suggested alternative rules for future exhibition events, such as eliminating one car per lap, similar to dirt races. He also proposed the inclusion of pit stops to add more action and strategic elements to the race, which is one of the appealing aspects of IndyCar. Despite initial concerns, Palou admitted that the format was more enjoyable to drive than it appeared on paper.
Looking ahead, the second round of the 2024 IndyCar championship will take place in Long Beach, California on April 21, nearly a month from now.