Taking place from March 23rd at The Thermal Club near Palm Springs, California, the upcoming NTT INDYCAR SERIES race weekend promises to be one of the most distinctive in its history.
Nestled at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains, in close proximity to the vibrant entertainment hub of Los Angeles, The Thermal Club’s $1 Million Challenge event weekend is set to feature a series of exhilarating events.
This includes a pivotal two-day Open Test, group qualifying sessions, two heat races, and a thrilling 12-car “all-star” race boasting a purse of $1.756 million – marking it as the largest outside of the prestigious Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.
The track configuration for this event, known as the Twin Palms layout, spans 3.067 miles (4.82 km) and incorporates most of the South Palm circuit, along with a challenging additional trajectory, totaling 19 turns.
With a blend of sweeping bends, tight corners, lengthy straights, and changes in elevation, the layout presents a formidable test for both drivers and engineering teams, promising an exciting and demanding spectacle for all involved.
When and How to Watch of NTT INDYCAR Series:
| Date & Time | Event | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, MAR 23 (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET) | Open Test Session 3 | Peacock INDYCAR LIVE, SiriusXM INDYCAR Radio Network |
| Saturday, MAR 23 (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM ET) | Open Test Session 4 | Peacock INDYCAR LIVE, SiriusXM INDYCAR Radio Network |
| Saturday, MAR 23 (8:00 PM – 8:45 PM ET) | Qualifications | Peacock INDYCAR LIVE, SiriusXM INDYCAR Radio Network |
| Sunday, MAR 24 (12:30 PM – 3:00 PM ET) | Race | WATCH LIVE STREAM |
It’ All About The Chllenging Laps:
During the NTT INDYCAR SERIES “$1 Million Challenge,” the segment consisting of 20 laps equates to a total distance of approximately 61.34 miles. These laps are a critical component of the race, representing a substantial portion of the overall competition.
In this condensed format, each lap becomes a strategic battleground, with drivers pushing themselves and their vehicles to the limit in pursuit of victory. With the stakes high and the margin for error slim, every lap presents a new opportunity for drivers to showcase their skill, precision, and tactical acumen.
Over the course of these 20 laps, competitors navigate the challenging circuit, confronting tight corners, high-speed straights, and elevation changes.
The condensed nature of the race intensifies the action, as drivers must balance aggressive racing with calculated risk-taking to gain positions and maintain momentum.
As the laps unfold, spectators are treated to a spectacle of speed, skill, and strategy, with the outcome hanging in the balance until the checkered flag falls.
Whether it’s bold overtaking maneuvers, tactical pit stop decisions, or nail-biting battles for position, each lap contributes to the drama and excitement of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES “$1 Million Challenge.”
Notable Drivers in Previous Champion:
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES has a rich history of champions. Here are a few of the most decorated drivers:
- Scott Dixon (7 Championships): The “Ice Man” holds the record for most IndyCar Series championships. He’s known for his smooth driving style and strategic brilliance.
- Will Power (2 Championships): An aggressive and fast driver, Power has consistently challenged for titles.
- Josef Newgarden (2 Championships): A fierce competitor, Newgarden excels on both oval and road courses.
- Dario Franchitti (4 Championships): A legend of the sport, Franchitti won his titles with different teams, showcasing his adaptability.
- Sam Schmidt (1 Championship): Though a paralympic athlete after a racing accident, Schmidt co-owns a successful IndyCar team that won a championship in 2013.
Preview of The NTT INDYCAR SERIES
The 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES is roaring into high gear, promising a season filled with white-knuckled racing, strategic battles, and potentially a new champion. Here’s a glimpse into what awaits:
Familiar Faces, New Battles: Team Penske’s juggernaut of Will Power and Josef Newgarden are hungry to reclaim the championship trophy. But reigning champion Alex Palou, now with Chip Ganassi Racing, is determined to defend his title.
Can young guns like Pato O’Ward and Colton Herta make a serious challenge for glory? The driver market shakeup has spiced things up, with established stars switching teams and creating new rivalries on the track.
A Grueling Schedule: The 2024 calendar features a diverse mix of tracks, pushing the limits of driver skill and machine performance. High-speed ovals like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will test courage, while demanding road courses like Laguna Seca and Road America will require precision and tactical mastery.
The prestigious Indianapolis 500 remains the ultimate crown jewel, and every driver will have their sights set on kissing the bricks in victory lane.
Technological Advancements: The NTT INDYCAR SERIES continues to embrace innovation. New aerodynamic packages are designed to create closer racing and more overtaking opportunities.
Tire strategies and car setups will be crucial in extracting every ounce of performance. Keep an eye on teams pushing the boundaries of strategy and technology, as even the smallest tweak can make a world of difference on race day.
Unpredictable Outcome: With a talented driver field, a challenging schedule, and the ever-present element of surprise, predicting the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion is an impossible feat.
Get ready for a season filled with drama, daring maneuvers, and exhilarating wheel-to-wheel racing. Fasten your seatbelts, the checkered flag awaits!
