Tire degradation will play a crucial role during IndyCar's race at The Thermal Club, with drivers facing significant challenges managing their Firestone tires during Friday's practice session.

Arrow McLaren's Pato O'Ward likened the track's surface to a "cheese grater," comparing the tire wear to conditions previously experienced at Iowa Speedway, but on a road course layout.

Teams conducted limited runs during practice, mostly staying within three to five laps on primary (black) tires and just one or two hard laps on alternate (red) compounds. This presents a challenge for Sunday's 65-lap race, where primary tires need to last between 10-15 laps between pit stops.

Andretti Global's Colton Herta noted the track's inherent difficulty due to low grip levels and rapid tire degradation. While overall tire performance appears slightly improved compared to St. Petersburg, qualifying will be particularly demanding with only one or two optimal laps available on the red compound tires.

The combination of aggressive track surface and limited tire longevity suggests tire management will be a defining factor in race strategy and ultimate performance during the upcoming event at The Thermal Club.

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