Palm trees and strong winds welcomed drivers as they attempted to achieve the fastest times of the day. Image: IndyCar – James Black
The NTT IndyCar Series is experimenting with a fresh arrangement for this weekend’s showcase event at the Thermal Club, and Saturday night was designated for two distinct brief qualifying sessions.
In the initial eight-minute round, Felix Rosenqvist achieved the quickest time, maneuvering his Meyer Shank Racing Honda around the intricate track quicker than Scott McLaughlin, Rinus VeeKay, and the other drivers in group one.
Group two was led by Alex Palou, while Marcus Ericsson lost control and forcefully collided his Andretti Global Honda with the tire barriers.
READ MORE: IndyCar $1 Million Challenge – Complete Qualifying Report
The qualifying order establishes the starting grid for the two heat races on Sunday morning, with the top six finishers from each heat race progressing to the final round for the prize money.
The 10-lap heat races will occur on Sunday at 9:30 AM Pacific time, 12:30 PM Eastern, followed shortly after by the 20-lap main event.