IndyCar returns this weekend at The Thermal Club road course for the $1 Million Dollar Challenge.
Track: The Thermal Club; Thermal, California, USA
Track Details: 3.067-mile, 17-turn road course
Testing: Friday – 9-11 a.m. PT, 2-5 p.m. PT;
Saturday – 9-11 a.m. PT, 1-3 p.m. PT (Peacock Premium)
Qualifying: Saturday – 5-5:45 p.m. PT (Peacock Premium)
$1 Million Dollar Challenge: Sunday – 9:30 a.m. PT (NBC)
Source: NTT IndyCar Youtube20 LAPS | 61.34 MILES
One of the most unique race weekends in the history of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES will take place March 22-24 at the picturesque The Thermal Club near Palm Springs, California.
Located at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, just down the road from the world’s premier entertainment market of Los Angeles, The Thermal Club $1 Million Challenge event weekend includes a crucial two-day Open Test, group qualifying sessions, two heat races and a 12-car “all-star” race with $1.756 million at stake – the largest purse for an INDYCAR SERIES race outside of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.
The Twin Palms layout at the Thermal Club is a 3.067-mile (4.82-km) raceway which includes most of that South Palm circuit and adds a highly demanding trajectory on top to get to a total of 19 turns. The layout consists of sweepers, tight corners, long straightaways, and elevation changes, providing a proper driving and engineering challenge to teams.
Two time IndyCar champion Josef Newgarden kicked off the 2024 NTT IndyCar series in dominant fashion by securing the win at Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding. Newgarden held a commanding lead as the checkered flag waved holding a 7.912 second victory over the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet of runner-up Pato O’Ward. This years running of St. Petersburg was a stark contrast to last years race that was full on on track drama.
“I had a lot of fun today,” Newgarden said. “I think it’s so deserving for the work they (Team Penske) put in. We’ve worked really hard to close the gap. We didn’t have the speed we needed on road and street courses last year, at least on a consistency basis, and today we brought that speed. We had the execution, as always.”
4 Retirements In the Season Opener
Four cars retired form the race today. Romain Grosjean and Marcus Ericcson both suffered mechanicals. Ericcson’s race ended on lap 52 with Grosjean retiring 30 laps later. Sting Ray Robb’s race ended premature after an off and Marcus Armstrong’s race ended as a result of incidental contact on lap 26 of the race.
Results from the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding
The following article was not written by Speed Trap Magazine Staff
INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024) – iRacing and INDYCAR are pleased to announce a multiyear licensing agreement – officially reuniting the two legendary brands.
The relationship, which dates back more than a dozen years, also includes Indianapolis Motor Speedway – and the return of the hugely popular iRacing Indianapolis 500 – to the gaming format’s Special Events calendar. This annual event has historically drawn thousands of participants, who race in a virtual version of the world’s most iconic race, known for its 200 laps of pure speed at the “Racing Capital of the World.” The community event allows sim racers from around the world to get a taste of what it is like to race at the famous oval at the Brickyard.
The return of a license has been highly anticipated by iRacing members and INDYCAR SERIES fans alike. “The INDYCAR SERIES and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are racing properties that need to be included in iRacing,” iRacing President Tony Gardner said. “There is no better way for fans to experience sim racing than on iRacing, and whether it’s the INDYCAR SERIES’ Indy 500, NASCAR’s Brickyard 400 or IMSA’s Battle on the Bricks, there is nothing like racing at Indianapolis. I am so pleased to be able to bring these events back to the iRacing community.”
In addition to the rebranding of INDYCAR SERIES events on iRacing, members will have access to series content for private events and leagues.
“We are very excited that our most avid gamers and fans will have full access to the INDYCAR SERIES through this licensing agreement with iRacing,” said Ben Hendricks, INDYCAR senior manager, eSports & emerging virtual experiences. “They are longtime partners, and we look forward to official INDYCAR SERIES racing on iRacing for many years to come.”
The new license agreement between iRacing and INDYCAR includes more provisions than previous iterations, allowing more flexibility to run events and series.
Highlights include:
- Return of the iRacing Indianapolis 500
- INDYCAR SERIES branding of series on iRacing
- Multiple leagues to run INDYCAR SERIES events on iRacing
- License extension of Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The licensing agreement goes into effect immediately, and iRacing members will see the rebranding of series, cars and events over the coming days. Details of the iRacing Indianapolis 500 will be available later this month.
Today a new partnership was born in the world of IndyCar. Chip Ganassi Racing Honda and DHL Express have agreed to a multiyear deal. The partnership sees an end to the long standing relationship between Andretti Global and DHL that lasted for 13 years. DHL will join as a primary sponsor for 2023 IndyCar champion Alex Palou.
Chip Ganassi; Team Owner of Chip Ganassi Racing
“I am extremely proud to welcome DHL to the Chip Ganassi Racing family. It is an honor to partner with an organization that shares our fundamental values of teamwork, growth, responsibility, and the pursuit of excellence. Together, we are committed to embodying those values both on and off the racetrack. I am looking forward to Alex and the No. 10 team defending their 2023 title with DHL on board. The road ahead holds great promise and potential, and I can’t wait to get started.”
“We’re thrilled to partner with Chip Ganassi Racing, an organization that has a rich history of success, deeply rooted in principles shared by DHL, such as a commitment to supporting the communities we call home, and the relentless pursuit of excellence by investing in our people who embody speed, passion, and dedication. As we sponsor this winning motorsports team with Alex Palou behind the wheel, we look forward to many winning moments both on and off the track in the months and years to come.”
Words from Alex Palou
“It’s super exciting to announce our new partnership with DHL, a global leader in logistics. Representing such a successful and widely recognized brand is a true honor,” said Palou. “Their iconic yellow and red colors not only stand out, but they also remind me of my native Spain’s colors. As our team looks back at our remarkable success last year, we are eager to carry that momentum forward and aim for a third title with the support of DHL. I am especially thrilled to hit the ground running alongside the dedicated men and women of our 10-car crew in 2024.”
Palou will start his title defense at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in March. DHL is headquartered withing in driving distance which offers a unique opportunity for fan relationship building and partnership brand awareness.
The NTT IndyCar Series has announced the 2024 calendar. The full schedule can be found below. NTT will return as the title sponsor for the series as Alex Palou will attempt to defend his 2023 championship title starting on the streets of St. Petersburg in Florida. New to the schedule is the addition of the Milwaukee Mile for the first time in 8 years. Thermal $1 million dollar challenge will also take place in 2024.
The Thermal Club for the first $1 Million Challenge Sunday, March 24. The event will serve as an Open Test and a non-points NBC showcase. The event will take place at the private world-class facility Thermal located just outside of Palm Springs, California – a short drive from Los Angeles and the world’s top entertainment market. The $1 Million Challenge weekend format will include a qualifying session and two heat races. With members of The Thermal Club embedded with race teams and drivers, the top six finishers from the two heat races will advance to a showcase of stars, where they’ll compete for a $1 million prize.
“The upward trajectory of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES is reflected through the 2024 schedule,” Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles said. “With stops at premier and global entertainment districts, classic American road courses and thrilling, high-speed ovals, the 2024 season will be exhilarating and highly competitive from beginning to end. The growth of INDYCAR is palpable. Combined with the efforts of our teams and partners, the 2024 championship will be the perfect showcase for our drivers as we continue to build on our reach and popularity.”
This article was not written by Speed Trap Magazine Staff
From Andretti Autosport now Andretti Global…
INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 5, 2023) – Andretti Autosport, a Championship-winning motorsports organization, today announced a major rebranding initiative that will see the international organization adopt the branding of Andretti Global, the identity previously named as the parent company to the U.S.-based race team.
As a brand that is built on a foundation of racing excellence, the new Andretti Global name will unite all aspects of the organization under a single identity, more closely aligning with the team’s already-established legacy. Andretti Global currently operates in eight motorsports platforms racing across six continents with an appetite to expand its worldwide footprint into other major motorsports series.
Along with the name change, the current Andretti Autosport shield will be replaced with the Andretti Global logo. As each of the 2024 racing seasons get underway, fans can look forward to a new digital experience from the most trusted name in motorsports with the rebrand additionally bringing a new structure to the team’s social media presence.
Andretti Formula E will be the first of the Andretti Global teams to take on the new branding as the reigning Drivers’ World Championship team kicks off Season 10 with testing in October.
MICHAEL ANDRETTI, CHAIRMAN AND CEO, ANDRETTI GLOBAL
“I’m proud of what Andretti Autosport has accomplished over the years, and all the memories that have come with so many special moments. Just as proud as I am of our past, I’m equally excited about our future. As we continue to expand and build a global racing institution, our goal is to be engrained in the culture of our fans, teams and partners. This rebrand is a major milestone in our team’s journey, but we are only getting started. We are determined to achieve success and confident that there are big things in store for Andretti Global.”
DAN TOWRISS, PARTNER, ANDRETTI GLOBAL
“The words Andretti and motorsports are synonymous, and I’m impressed and excited by the worldwide fanbase and reach of the Andretti name. I’m proud to be working with Michael and his team to build that name and legacy into an even stronger brand that reflects our ambitions and values. We are committed to excellence, and I believe our work will benefit our fans and partners around the globe.”
Alex Palou left nothing to chance by clinching his championship title with a win at the BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland. Palou secured his second championship in IndyCar; the first coming in 2021. After the race Palou had the following words, “That’s what we wanted. It was an amazing weekend overall. We had really fast cars. We knew we had to go for it, and we just raced how we’ve been doing all season. Super proud to be here in victory lane and super proud of the second championship. I never thought that I would be an INDYCAR champion, and to be a two-time INDYCAR champion feels amazing, like a dream.”
Palou was dominant in the 110 lap race around Portland International Raceway. He won the race by 5.4353 seconds ahead of Felix Rosenqvist in the No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet. Rosenqvist had the following word, “I was kind of lucky in the end, first off with the yellow that we just managed to do our stop before. And then also at the end, we kind of had a buffer with lapped cars that gave us a little bit of a cushion to Scott at the end. It kind of worked out our way for the first time in a while, so I was enjoying the race a lot.”
Scott Dixon, the only other championship contender in the race was 8.0669 seconds behind the winner in third place. The finish all but sealed second place in the championship for Dixon as the series heads into the final round of the season at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
Full Race Results Are Below
Graham Rahal secured pole position in Portland today. He set a 58.4576 second lap ahead of Scott Dixon and Alex Palou in third. Rahal drove his No. 15 PeopleReady Honda fielded by Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing to add an NTT P1 Award to the one he won last month at the Gallagher Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Rahal turned the fastest lap on primary tires. These are supposed to be the slower tire per Firestone.
After the qualifying session Rahal had the following words, “Yesterday, we really struggled on the red tires. This morning we saved a set of blacks (primary tires) compared to everyone else, and it just worked out to be able to go to the new blacks (in qualifying). Everybody has pushed real hard to get our team back to this point, and it’s nice to have two poles here at the end of the year.”
Championship contenders Scott Dixon and Alex Palou finished fourth and fifth. Scott Dixon qualified with a 58.5803 second lap time in the No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. Dixon is attempting to keep his championship dreams alive for a record-tying seventh championship. He trails teammate Alex Palou by 74 points entering the Portland Grand Prix. Dixon must cut that gap to 53 points or less after the to carry the title race to the season-ending Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey. That race will take place on Sunday, Sept. 10 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
Live coverage of this year’s 110-lap race starts at 3 p.m. ET Sunday on NBC, Peacock and the INDYCAR Radio Network.
Full Qualifying Results Below
Scott Dixon wins his second race in a row as the season edges toward the penultimate race at Portland International Raceway. Dixon currently sits 74 points behind early season winner Alex Palou. With two races to go the championship is still up for grabs depending on how Palou finishes in Portland. Dixon was able to manage his fuel limit his time in the pits in a masterfully crafted strategy to bring home the win. “It’s all these guys, man. Chip steers the ship. We took a pretty good grid penalty today. We had to go the alternate route, and it worked out perfectly. This team was perfect. They gave me the (fuel) number I needed to be getting, so massive thank you to everybody on the PNC Bank No. 9 crew.”
Teammate Palou finished seventh in the No. 10 The American Legion Honda and needs to lead by 55 points or more after the BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland next Sunday, Sept. 3 at Portland International Raceway to clinch his second NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship in the last three seasons. Palou and Dixon are the only remaining drivers eligible to win the Astor Challenge Cup as season champion. Josef Newgarden was eliminate from winging the title in 2023 after crashing out finishing P25.
Bommarito Automative 500 Race Results
1. (16) Scott Dixon, Honda, 260, Running
2. (3) Pato O’Ward, Chevrolet, 260, Running
3. (6) David Malukas, Honda, 260, Running
4. (7) Alexander Rossi, Chevrolet, 259, Running
5. (10) Scott McLaughlin, Chevrolet, 259, Running
6. (2) Colton Herta, Honda, 259, Running
7. (14) Alex Palou, Honda, 259, Running
8. (4) Felix Rosenqvist, Chevrolet, 259, Running
9. (8) Will Power, Chevrolet, 259, Running
10. (15) Marcus Ericsson, Honda, 259, Running
11. (20) Rinus VeeKay, Chevrolet, 259, Running
12. (5) Romain Grosjean, Honda, 259, Running
13. (26) Santino Ferrucci, Chevrolet, 259, Running
14. (23) Ryan Hunter-Reay, Chevrolet, 259, Running
15. (22) Kyle Kirkwood, Honda, 259, Running
16. (11) Conor Daly, Honda, 259, Running
17. (19) Christian Lundgaard, Honda, 259, Running
18. (12) Linus Lundqvist, Honda, 258, Running
19. (18) Devlin DeFrancesco, Honda, 258, Running
20. (21) Graham Rahal, Honda, 258, Running
21. (24) Sting Ray Robb, Honda, 258, Running
22. (28) Agustin Canapino, Chevrolet, 258, Running
23. (13) Helio Castroneves, Honda, 257, Running
24. (27) Ed Carpenter, Chevrolet, 254, Running
25. (1) Josef Newgarden, Chevrolet, 210, Contact
26. (17) Takuma Sato, Honda, 119, Contact
27. (9) Callum Ilott, Chevrolet, 58, Contact
28. (25) Benjamin Pedersen, Chevrolet, 0, Contact
NTT INDYCAR SERIES Point Standings:
Palou 565, Dixon 491, Newgarden 440, O’Ward 429, McLaughlin 426, Ericsson 397, Power 388, Lundgaard 343, Rossi 339, Herta 331, Kirkwood 327, Grosjean 271, Rosenqvist 270, Rahal 251, VeeKay 237, Malukas 230, Ilott 221, Ferrucci 187, Castroneves 184, Marcus Armstrong 179, Canapino 159, DeFrancesco 156, Jack Harvey 146, Daly 134, Robb 122, Pedersen 107, Hunter-Reay 102, Simon Pagenaud 88, Sato 70, Carpenter 46, Lundqvist 35, Tony Kanaan 18, Marco Andretti 13, Tom Blomqvist 5, RC Enerson 5, Katherine Legge 5
This article was not authored by Speed Trap Magazine Staff
Click HERE to view the qualifying results of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline
MADISON, Ill. (Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023) – Qualifying results Sunday for the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline NTT INDYCAR SERIES event on the 1.25-mile World Wide Technology Raceway oval, with qualifying position, car number in parentheses, driver, engine and average speed:
1. (3) Scott McLaughlin, Chevrolet, 182.951
2. (2) Josef Newgarden, Chevrolet, 182.390
3. (26) Colton Herta, Honda, 181.946
4. (5) Pato O’Ward, Chevrolet, 181.722
5. (10) Alex Palou, Honda, 181.599
6. (6) Felix Rosenqvist, Chevrolet, 181.557
7. (9) Scott Dixon, Honda, 181.442
8. (11) Takuma Sato, Honda, 181.427
9. (28) Romain Grosjean, Honda, 181.424
10. (18) David Malukas, Honda, 181.091
11. (7) Alexander Rossi, Chevrolet, 180.975
12. (12) Will Power, Chevrolet, 180.946
13. (27) Kyle Kirkwood, Honda, 180.592
14. (77) Callum Ilott, Chevrolet, 180.208
15. (30) Conor Daly, Honda, 179.928
16. (60) Linus Lundqvist, Honda, 179.802
17. (06) Helio Castroneves, Honda, 179.507
18. (8) Marcus Ericsson, Honda, 178.901
19. (29) Devlin DeFrancesco, Honda, 178.861
20. (45) Christian Lundgaard, Honda, 178.834
21. (78) Agustin Canapino, Chevrolet, 178.490
22. (21) Rinus VeeKay, Chevrolet, 178.385
23. (15) Graham Rahal, Honda, 178.360
24. (20) Ryan Hunter-Reay, Chevrolet, 178.141
25. (51) Sting Ray Robb, Honda, 177.792
26. (55) Benjamin Pedersen, Chevrolet, 176.745
27. (14) Santino Ferrucci, Chevrolet, 176.519
28. (33) Ed Carpenter, Chevrolet, 174.473