{"id":746402,"date":"2024-04-20T08:21:00","date_gmt":"2024-04-20T15:21:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/palmspringslife.com\/?p=746402"},"modified":"2024-05-04T15:31:56","modified_gmt":"2024-05-04T22:31:56","slug":"a-look-back-at-indycars-1-million-challenge-at-the-thermal-club","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.palmspringslife.com\/the-guide\/sports\/a-look-back-at-indycars-1-million-challenge-at-the-thermal-club\/","title":{"rendered":"A Look Back at IndyCar\u2019s $1 Million Challenge at The Thermal Club"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

At sunrise on a Sunday morning in late March, as the San Jacinto Mountains tinged with a purple glow, the eastern end of the Coachella Valley sat shrouded in a shimmering haze. Dust. The fallout of a windy weekend with temperatures that fell almost 15 degrees Fahrenheit between Friday and Sunday. But changing conditions did not deter 27 of the world\u2019s best drivers from the track at The Thermal Club<\/a> in a race for (more than) $1 million.<\/p>\n

IndyCar\u2019s made-for-TV $1 Million Challenge, sponsored by Agua Caliente Casinos<\/a> and aired live on NBC, actually flaunted a purse of $1.765 million \u2014 the largest outside the Indianapolis 500. Billed as \u201cone of the most unique race weekends in the history of the NTT IndyCar Series,\u201d the exhibition event (March 22\u201324) unfolded on the club\u2019s 3.067-mile Twin Palms layout.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”1_2″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/palmspringslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/20145516\/thermal-club-indycar-1.jpg” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” align=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” module_class=”psl_captions” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]Spectators watch the race from a grandstand near the clubhouse.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” module_class=”psl_credit” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]PHOTO BY EMILY CHAVOUS FOSTER[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”1_2″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/palmspringslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/20145543\/1JGS-2024-THERMAL-069086-1.jpg” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” align=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” module_class=”psl_captions” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]Santino Ferrucci driving the No. 14 Chevrolet for AJ Foyt Racing.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” module_class=”psl_credit” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]PHOTO BY JOE SKIBINSKI[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

After a day of open testing and a day of qualifying to determine race order, Sunday featured two heats. The top six drivers from each heat advanced to the main event. In the final showdown, Spaniard \u00c1lex Palou, driving for Chip Ganassi Racing, led all 20 laps and pocketed the grand prize of $500,000. Team Penske\u2019s Scott McLaughlin came in second, and Felix Rosenqvist of Meyer Shank Racing took third. They celebrated at the podium with a traditional Champagne spray \u2014 and ice cream.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a cheat day,\u201d McLaughlin joked with reporters after festivities wound down. \u201cMe, \u00c1lex, and Felix all had one at the podium.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe food has been amazing,\u201d Palou concurred. Food trucks included local favorites Brandini Toffee<\/a>, CV BBQ<\/a>, and TKB Bakery & Deli<\/a> \u2014 everything was free for the limited crowd of spectators that comprised Thermal Club members, their guests, and ticketholders who shelled out $500 to be there.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/palmspringslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/20145446\/thermal-club-indycar-4.jpg” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” align=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” module_class=”psl_captions” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]A trackside big screen, couches, and high-top tables made for easy and casual race viewing.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” module_class=”psl_credit” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]PHOTO BY EMILY CHAVOUS FOSTER[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]\u201cThermal have put their backs behind IndyCar for this and created an awesome event,\u201d McLaughlin said. \u201cThe opportunity for all the teams to come out here and earn money is an absolute bonus, but just to put on a show and have [the chance to test the cars]. You\u2019ve gotta give props to Thermal for that.\u201d<\/p>\n

The exhibition race \u2014 technically the second race of the 2024 NTT IndyCar season \u2014 did not dole out any championship points (though Palou certainly wished it did). Rather, the event bridged a gap in the IndyCar schedule between the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in early March and the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, which takes place April 21.<\/p>\n

Beyond the asphalt, drivers took advantage of their time in Greater Palm Springs. Intermittent winds were no match for the destination\u2019s covetable blue skies and balmy climes, which reigned supreme on race day and compelled off-site recreation throughout the weekend. McLaughlin snuck away to a golf course. Rinus VeeKay of Ed Carpenter Racing enjoyed a game of pickleball at The Thermal Club.<\/p>\n

In the paddock, a small cohort of Thermal Club members were paired with drivers and embedded with teams throughout the weekend to participate in team meetings and experience the ins and outs of IndyCar.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/palmspringslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/20154523\/04CJ-2024-THERMAL-5702.jpg” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” align=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” module_class=”psl_captions” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]A Dale Coyne Racing meetup with Colin Braun, Nolan Siegle, and Jack Harvey.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” module_class=”psl_credit” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]PHOTO BY CHRIS JONES[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”2_3″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/palmspringslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/20144434\/1JGS-2024-THERMAL-067506-1.jpg” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” align=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” module_class=”psl_captions” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]Alexander Rossi driving the No. 7 Chevrolet for Arrow McLaren.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” module_class=”psl_credit” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]PHOTO BY JOE SKIBINSKI[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”1_3″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/palmspringslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/20145455\/thermal-club-indycar-3.jpg” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” align=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” module_class=”psl_captions” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]A fire marshal watches over the paddock.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” module_class=”psl_credit” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]PHOTO BY EMILY CHAVOUS FOSTER[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are proud to welcome IndyCar back to The Thermal Club,\u201d John Rogers, managing director of the club, said in an early press release for the event. \u201cThe teams, drivers, and the entire IndyCar Series paddock are true professionals, and we look forward to developing our relationship with them in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe partnership between Agua Caliente Casinos, Thermal Club, and the IndyCar Series brings opportunities to create unforgettable experiences for fans and patrons,\u201d Pearl Aguinaldo, senior director of marketing for Agua Caliente Casinos, explained to Palm Springs Life<\/em>. \u201cSuch a partnership could redefine the standard for sports and entertainment collaborations, setting a new benchmark for excellence and innovation in the industry.\u201d<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/palmspringslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/20145502\/thermal-club-indycar-2.jpg” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” align=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” module_class=”psl_captions” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]Agua Caliente Casinos senior vice president and general manager Todd Berendji, The Thermal Club owner and founder Tim Rogers, and Agua Caliente Casinos senior director of marketing Pearl Aguinaldo.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” module_class=”psl_credit” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]PHOTO BY EMILY CHAVOUS FOSTER[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Agua Caliente Casinos supports many signature events across the Coachella Valley, from Fashion Week El Paseo<\/a> and Palm Desert Food & Wine<\/a> to Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week<\/a> (coming up May 31 to June 9). But the connection with IndyCar is personal.<\/p>\n

\u201cHaving worked and lived in Indianapolis, I see the value of the investment and returns that the business, general population, and fans can enjoy,\u201d said Todd Berendji, senior vice president and general manager of Agua Caliente Casinos. \u201cA longtime friend, Jay Frye, IndyCar president, introduced us to Tim Rogers, [founder and owner] of The Thermal Club. Immediately, we saw how this partnership could have an impact on our travel and leisure market in the Coachella Valley and on our Agua Caliente experiences.\u201d Members of Agua Caliente Casinos\u2019 ACE Club received discounted tickets and access to an exclusive seating area with a prime view of the track.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/palmspringslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/20145530\/1JGS-2024-THERMAL-075596-1.jpg” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” align=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” module_class=”psl_captions” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]Rosenqvist exits the pits and pulls onto the track.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” module_class=”psl_credit” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]PHOTO BY JOE SKIBINSKI[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”1_2″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/palmspringslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/20151139\/04CJ-2024-THERMAL-5813.jpg” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” align=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” module_class=”psl_captions” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]Palou celebrates the victory with his team.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” module_class=”psl_credit” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]PHOTO BY CHRIS JONES[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”1_2″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/palmspringslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/20145523\/17JJB-2024-THERMAL-6-6.jpg” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” align=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” module_class=”psl_captions” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]Palou led all 20 laps of the race.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” module_class=”psl_credit” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]PHOTO BY JAMES BLACK[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

The $1 Million Challenge marks the series\u2019 second visit to the private residential racetrack. (Last year, teams came to town for preseason testing<\/a>, which was closed to the public.)<\/p>\n

Though critics of The Thermal Club\u2019s emergence on the IndyCar calendar have referred to the track design as a \u201cgentlemen\u2019s course\u201d \u2014 developed with large, paved runoff areas and a generally flat layout for residents to tool around in fancy supercars without much risk \u2014 the three drivers on podium disagreed and expressed a collective desire to return, perhaps next time in the name of championship points.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think today, we proved that we can race here like any other track,\u201d Rosenqvist said during postrace interviews. \u201cMaybe next time we come back and it\u2019s an actual points round. This is no different from any other road course. The facility is great, the infrastructure is there, and we can definitely race like any other track here.\u201d<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/palmspringslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/20151842\/1JGS-2024-THERMAL-071690-1.jpg” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” align=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” module_class=”psl_captions” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]McLaughlin in the No. 3 Dallara-Chevrolet for Team Penske.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” module_class=”psl_credit” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]PHOTO BY JOE SKIBINSKI[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]\u201cIt\u2019s a pretty cool track,\u201d Palou said. \u201cIt\u2019s very challenging with the wind and the sand. You can be OK, and then in two laps, suddenly there\u2019s sand there, and it\u2019s super slippery.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom when we were here last time to now, they\u2019ve done a really good job with improvements,\u201d McLaughlin said. \u201cI genuinely have enjoyed the track. It\u2019s a challenging, technical track, and it takes a lot to get the whole lap right. When you do, it\u2019s very rewarding. It\u2019s got a bit of everything. I definitely don\u2019t think it\u2019s a \u2018gentlemen\u2019s track.\u2019 I think that\u2019s just people who are jealous of not having a track in their own backyard.\u201d<\/p>\n

Will IndyCar return to Thermal in 2025? It\u2019s still too early to say. But all those involved appear to be rooting for a comeback. \u201c[The Thermal Club] makes for exciting racing,\u201d Rosenqvist said. \u201cFrom the cockpit, it\u2019s really exciting to drive, as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

And don\u2019t forget the free ice cream.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

At sunrise on a Sunday morning in late March, as the San Jacinto Mountains tinged with a purple glow, the eastern end of the Coachella Valley sat shrouded in a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1418,"featured_media":746403,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[522],"tags":[6731,13808,14451],"advertiser":[],"poi_city":[],"class_list":["post-746402","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sports","tag-agua-caliente-casinos","tag-indycar","tag-thermal-club"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nA Look Back at IndyCar\u2019s $1 Million Challenge at The Thermal Club - Palm Springs Life<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The exhibition event, sponsored by Agua Caliente Casinos, cemented drivers\u2019 desires 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