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IndyCar returned to the Thermal Club on Saturday for a second day of testing at the private club circuit. Throughout the day, drivers were able to enjoy approximately three hours of testing. However, there were some unexpected situations that caused delays. The first stoppage occurred just 15 minutes after the start, when pieces of the track came apart at the exit of Turn 5. This happened because drivers were running beyond the track limits, causing the asphalt outside the track line to break apart and fly through the air. The track safety team quickly filled the hole with a fast-drying resin, which held up well for the rest of the day. An additional 15 minutes were added to make up for lost time, but further extensions were not possible due to the tight schedule. In the afternoon, the final testing session was delayed by five minutes due to a strong gust of wind blowing through the circuit. Visibility temporarily decreased due to thick sand and dust, but the session was able to continue once the gusts calmed down. The wind continued to affect the drivers, causing many to run into the run-off areas as they exceeded their limits in the afternoon. In total, 2,335 laps were completed in approximately eight hours of racing on Friday and Saturday, providing valuable data for the teams as they plan the rest of the season. Christian Lundgaard set the fastest time of the weekend on Saturday, completing a lap on the 3.067-mile course in 1 minute and 38.2199 seconds during the afternoon session. Will Power and Scott McLaughlin were the second and third fastest drivers, respectively, also setting their times in the second half of the second day. During the afternoon session, drivers were able to use their Push to Pass systems, simulating the extra power they will have available for the qualifying races later in the evening. With 40 seconds of boost available per lap, drivers could use the extra power on each straight of the twisty course. The combination of extra power, the track receiving more Firestone rubber, and cooler track conditions contributed to improving times throughout the day. The fastest times of the weekend may still be ahead, as the qualifying races are scheduled to take place when the sun is low in the sky. Two short qualifying races will take place at 5:00 p.m. local time, 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, followed by two elimination races and the $1 Million Challenge on Sunday.
