The NTT IndyCar Series will attempt a new event format next season, with a high-priced exhibition round at The Thermal Club in southern California.
Instead of points, drivers will compete for a $1 million prize with a unique format. Qualifications and heat races will whittle the field down to a list of the 12 fastest drivers, who will then contest for the prize money.
The event will take place at The Thermal Club, which is the private motor club that hosted a test session at the start of the 2023 season.
There will be a testing component to the exhibition weekend as well, with the high-stakes race itself set for March 24. The event will help to fill the gap in the schedule that traditionally follows the opening St. Petersburg round in early March.
Club members will be embedded within the teams, and will be given exclusive access to the drivers and cars throughout the event.
“The NTT IndyCar Series will add an incredible new event to our schedule with next year’s spectacular racing showcase at The Thermal Club,” said Penske Entertainment President & CEO Mark Miles.
“This world-class venue just down the road from the world’s premier entertainment market is the perfect place to bring our hyper-competitive racing and growing star power.”
There will be limited tickets available for fans to attend, but members of the club will get the most complete experience. Portions of the prize money will even be split with members of the exclusive club.
NBC will provide full coverage of the event, and will be broadcasting the action for fans that are not able to secure a spot at the facility.
The new exhibition round comes as an international exhibition race in either Mexico or Argentina has been discussed heavily for some time, and may be added to the calendar in the next couple years.
The remainder of the 2024 IndyCar schedule has not yet been revealed, but is expected to be announced in the next few weeks.
