First full points-paying INDYCAR race at Thermal Club

This Sunday, The Thermal Club INDYCAR Grand Prix marks an exciting first for NTT INDYCAR SERIES cars. They will race for points at a track where they have previously only run a few laps in an exhibition. Last year’s event used shorter formats, so drivers are eager to see how they perform in a full-length race. The schedule includes three practice sessions starting Friday evening. Qualifying will take place Saturday, followed by the race on Sunday afternoon. In comparison to last year, drivers will race a full 65 laps, which will require different strategies. Tire management will be crucial due to the dusty conditions that wear tires quickly. Firestone has provided teams with extra durable tires this year. Each team will have six sets of primary tires to improve their chances in the race. The track features 17 turns over a distance of 3.067 miles, with few places for drivers to recover during the race. Competitors have limited data from previous tests at this location, making it challenging to predict how the race will unfold. Top contenders include past leaders like Alex Palou, Scott Dixon, and Josef Newgarden. Palou won last year’s race, while Dixon faced issues that hindered his performance. Other drivers to watch include Colton Herta and Felix Rosenqvist, both of whom had strong finishes last year. With so many variables at play, the race promises to be an interesting test for both rookie and experienced drivers alike.