The upcoming 65-lap IndyCar Grand Prix at The Thermal Club is anticipated to be more of a strategic battle than a straightforward race to the finish line, according to drivers and race strategists. The car racing event’s unique blend of a lengthy 3.067-mile circuit, routine sharp turns, and a demanding track surface that exacerbates tire erosion, sets the stage for a considerable challenge for the 27 participating drivers and their strategists.
The outcome of Sunday’s race is predicted to be determined largely by expert tire usage calls from pit lane and those racers who manage to find the ideal equilibrium between tire conservation and maintaining sufficient speed to emerge victorious.
“Whoever emerges victorious will owe a great deal to their strategist,” commented Pato O’Ward of Arrow McLaren in conversation with RACER. He further emphasized the pivotal role of strategy in shaping the results of the race, especially given the fact that a full race distance has not been attempted at this venue previously. The drivers will be engaged in a continuous learning process throughout the race, he added.
The non-championship event last year, culminating in a 20-lap “All Star” race split into two 10-lap heats with a break, provides some insight into what might unfold over 65 laps this year. Most drivers opted to conserve their tires during the initial 10 laps, ensuring they had sufficient grip to endure the final 10-lap sprint without slipping down the rankings.
Firestone, the tire supplier, introduced a sturdier primary compound as the sole tire option for the 2024 event. However, this year, each car will be equipped with six sets of these harder and more durable primary tires, and four sets of the softer alternative compound, which has not been used at Thermal before.
The challenging conditions at Thermal require drivers to operate beneath the tires’ limit throughout each stint, focusing on achieving the best average lap time between pit stops rather than pushing the tire’s capabilities to the maximum.
Tim Cindric, Team Penske president, expressed his concerns about the potential tire issues, noting that the true impact of the track surface was not fully realized last year due to the shorter heat lengths. He predicted that the race will be oriented around track-position due to the difficulty of overtaking.
This year’s race will also be the first with IndyCar’s heavier hybrid powertrain. Cars are now 105 lbs heavier than they were during last year’s Thermal race, adding to the teams’ workload as they attempt to adjust the heavier Dallara DW12s to the 17-turn circuit.
Alex Palou, from Chip Ganassi Racing, who dominated the All Star race last year, expressed uncertainty about what to expect. He said that even though the primary tires are harder this year, the additional weight of the hybrid and the extra laps could still lead to heavy tire wear, similar to last year’s scenario.
Reflecting on the recent race at St. Petersburg, where drivers had to deal with long-lasting Firestone primaries and short-life alternates, Mike Hull from Ganassi Racing suggested that the key to winning races this year will be the team that can conserve the life of the primary tire while driving the longest on primary tires.
In conclusion, the upcoming IndyCar Grand Prix at The Thermal Club is set to be a thrilling display of strategy and tire management. The teams and drivers who can navigate these challenges successfully will likely emerge victorious.