The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is set to make its highly anticipated championship debut at The Thermal Club in Thermal, California, from March 21 to 23, 2025. This event marks the first time American open-wheel racing has returned to Riverside County since 1983, following a successful exhibition at the venue in 2024.
The Track:
The Thermal Club is a private motorsports facility featuring a 3.067-mile (4.82-km) circuit known as the Twin Palms layout, which includes 17 turns. The track presents a unique challenge with its mix of sweepers, tight corners, long straightaways, and elevation changes. While it was originally designed for high-end club racing and private testing, its transformation into an INDYCAR venue has created a fresh and demanding course for the drivers.
With its desert setting and high-speed nature, The Thermal Club is expected to provide an exciting race, combining strategy, tire management, and outright pace in a way that will test the best in the series.
Event Schedule
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Friday, March 21:
- Practice 1: 6:30 PM ET (3:30 PM PT) – FS1 Alex Palou fastest
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Saturday, March 22:
- Practice 2: 1:00 PM ET (10:00 AM PT) – FS1 Christian Lundgaard fastest
- Qualifying: 5:00 PM ET (2:00 PM PT) – FS1
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Sunday, March 23:
- Warm-Up: 11:00 AM ET (8:00 AM PT) – FS1
- Race: 3:00 PM ET (12:00 PM PT) – FOX
Weather Forecast
Race weekend conditions are expected to be ideal for racing, with warm temperatures and clear skies:
- Friday, March 21: Mostly sunny, high of 86°F (30°C)
- Saturday, March 22: Partly cloudy, high around 87°F (31°C)
- Sunday, March 23: Sunny and warm, high near 89°F (32°C)
The dry desert climate means teams will need to manage tire wear and track temperatures, which could play a key role in race strategy.
Previous Winners
In 2024, The Thermal Club hosted a non-championship $1 Million Challenge exhibition race, making it a unique addition to the INDYCAR calendar. However, this year marks its first official points-paying event, adding a new level of intensity to the competition.
As drivers and teams prepare for this high-speed challenge, fans can expect a thrilling weekend full of drama, strategy, and on-track battles. With the INDYCAR championship fight heating up, who will make history as the first official Thermal Club Grand Prix winner?
