INDYCAR Gears Up For 1st Ever Thermal Club Grand Prix

THERMAL, CA — Coachella Valley race fans rejoice — the NTT INDYCAR SERIES is returning to The Thermal Club for a second year this weekend, according to the series.

Last year, INDYCAR debuted a race at the track, but it was just a 20-lap sprint for $1 million in cash.

This year, the Thermal Club race will join the INDYCAR series, becoming the second of 17 races that will determine which driver takes home the Astor Challenge Cup and be named the series champion.

This weekend, 27 car and driver combinations return to the motorsports club, which is nestled at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains for the official event.

The Thermal Club INDYCAR Grand Prix will kick off at 3 p.m. on Sunday but there are two practice races track attendees can watch on Friday and Saturday.

"Known for its demanding sweeps, tight corners, long straights, and elevation changes, this private venue is designed for peak engine performance, offering drivers and teams the ultimate challenge in speed and control," according to INDYCAR.

The track is also known for its natural terrain road.

"It will be critical to manage tires on a surface that tends to be abrasive due to the dust that accumulates in the region," wrote Curt Cavin for INDYCAR. "The race distance is 65 laps, and the fuel load figures to last longer than the tires, especially with the warm temperatures that are expected."

Tickets for the weekend range from $240.69 on up to $1,769.50 for a VIP encore package. Buy tickets here.