Thermal Reworks Track's Final Corners for IndyCar Million Challenge
The Thermal Club has modified its final corner sequence ahead of IndyCar's upcoming race following concerns from last year's event.
Will Power races at Thermal Challenge
The main change focuses on the Turn 16-17 section, where drivers previously experienced significant air time when crossing the crest and curbing before entering the start/finish straight. This modification aims to protect the magnesium bellhousings that house IndyCar's energy recovery systems between the engines and transmissions.
Thermal GM Nicholas Rhoades confirms multiple revisions were made during the winter, with each test leading to further adjustments to optimize the track for race conditions.
Former IndyCar driver Marcus Ericsson, who tested the modified track earlier this year with Andretti Global, reports improvements but notes the bump hasn't been completely eliminated. While the racing line still crosses various surface changes, the overall impact is less severe than before, creating a more manageable but still challenging section for drivers.
The modifications include:
- Removal of certain curbing sections
- Addition of concrete surfaces
- General leveling of the problematic area
- Reduced overall aggressiveness of the bump
These changes represent a balance between maintaining the track's character while ensuring safer racing conditions for the upcoming IndyCar event.