This weekend’s non-points race marks a significant departure for IndyCar, blending a variety of unique elements not seen since 2008’s event in Surfers Paradise, Australia. Situated just outside Palm Springs, California, the 17-turn, 3.067-mile circuit promises an intriguing spectacle.
Foremost, it’s a made-for-TV affair airing Sunday at 12:30 p.m. ET on NBC, Peacock, and the IndyCar Radio Network. Preceding the main event are two days of testing totaling nine hours, streamed live on Peacock.
While fan attendance will be limited, the bulk of spectators will consist of affluent club members, part of a deliberate effort to engage them further in the series, akin to Don Cusick’s involvement with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing’s Indianapolis 500 endeavors.
Adding to the allure is the substantial $1.756 million purse, the largest outside of the Indy 500. The winner of Sunday’s 20-lap sprint will pocket $500,000, with $350,000 for second place, $250,000 for third, and $100,000 for fourth. Fifth place earns $50,000, while all other participants receive $23,000.
Twenty-seven cars will be divided into two groups for heat races on Sunday to determine the starting grid. The top six finishers from each heat will progress to the final, featuring two 10-lap segments—a format not seen since 2013 at Iowa Speedway.
IndyCar CEO Mark Miles highlighted the event’s potential during a media briefing, emphasizing its appeal to both existing fans and potential newcomers drawn by the unique format.
The venue, founded and owned by Tim Rogers and managed by his son John, previously hosted an IndyCar Series Open Test in 2023.
Measuring the event’s success is a nuanced task for Miles and IndyCar leadership. Key indicators include the satisfaction of the Rogers family, the response from fans and sponsors, and the overall atmosphere during and after the race.
Miles remains cautious about future implications, acknowledging the need for analysis and discussion regarding the event’s potential expansion or transition to a points race, as well as considerations about venue capacity and fan experience.
The success of this weekend’s showcase may open doors for further innovation and collaboration within the IndyCar community, paving the way for future endeavors.
