Thermal Club Raceway
Location:
Thermal, California, USA
Local Weather & Time
Track Info
The Thermal Club Raceway - Thermal, California, USA
Private motorsports club in the Coachella Valley - clockwise Twin Palms configuration - exclusive venue that hosted IndyCar in 2024 and 2025
When was the track built?
Conceived as a luxury, members only motorsports community beside Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport, The Thermal Club opened in the early 2010s and expanded in stages to more than five miles of configurable circuit. The complex pairs villas and paddock style garages with multiple links that create the South Palm, North Palm and Desert circuits, plus the 3.067 mile Twin Palms layout used by IndyCar.
When was its first race?
The venue’s first race at top level was IndyCar’s $1 Million Challenge on March 24, 2024, an all star exhibition with heats and a 20 lap feature. In 2025, IndyCar returned for a full points round titled the Thermal Club IndyCar Grand Prix.
What's the circuit like?
- High grip, big commitment: Modern asphalt rewards precision and rotation through linked medium speed corners before long acceleration zones.
- Overtaking sites: The heaviest stops lead into Turns 1, 3 and the back straight hairpins, where late braking and cutbacks pay off.
- Desert conditions: Warm, dry air and minimal bumps make tyre temperature and rear traction the setup focus across stints.
- Configurable campus: Multiple loops allow varied test and event layouts; Twin Palms stitches South Palm with extra connectors for a 17 turn lap.
- Benchmark pace: IndyCar race lap record 1:41.6145 on the 3.067 mile layout; heat race bests dipped into the high 1:39s on low fuel.
Lap records and benchmarks (by series)
- IndyCar (feature race lap): 1:41.6145 - Álex Palou, 2024 $1 Million Challenge - Twin Palms, 4.936 km.
- IndyCar (heat race fastest lap): 1:39.8051 - Álex Palou, Heat 2, 2024 event - same layout.
- IndyCar event distances: 2024 exhibition feature 20 laps (61.34 miles). 2025 points race scheduled for 65 laps (~199.36 miles).
Why go?
A ultra modern desert venue with panoramic sightlines, premium hospitality and a unique members club vibe. IndyCar’s visits proved the circuit races well with multiple braking zones and strategic tyre management, all against a Santa Rosa Mountains backdrop.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Turn 1 grandstands: Starts, restarts and classic late brakers into a tight right hander after a long run.
- Back straight hairpin: End of the fastest section for divebombs and switchbacks into the infield links.
- Middle sector sweepers: Shows chassis balance through consecutive direction changes and sets up passes two corners later.
- Pit straight: Great vantage for launches off the final corner, pit work and the sprint to the chequered flag.
Not just IndyCar: programs and series at Thermal
Ferrari Challenge North America: Set to debut at The Thermal Club in March 2026, adding a headline GT one make weekend to the calendar.
Manufacturer experience and testing: The private campus hosts OEM programs, hot laps and development testing year round across its multiple layouts.
Club and invitational racing: Member events and pro-am shootouts regularly use South Palm and Twin Palms configurations.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to The Thermal Club Raceway - Thermal, California
Best options are driving and using event directed parking, rideshare or taxi to the Tyler Street entrance, and private shuttles only when provided by the event (for example, select INDYCAR packages). The venue is a private members club, so public access is limited to ticketed events with controlled gate entry.
Driving and parking
- Set your GPS: 61980 Tyler St, Thermal, CA 92274. Follow temporary event signage and staff at the gate.
- Event directed parking: Public parking is only available when an event opens the venue to spectators. INDYCAR weekends have used ticket products that include parking and shuttle access - check your purchase confirmation for lot name and instructions.
- Private facility note: Vehicles without proper event credentials are not admitted past the security checkpoint - do not attempt to drive inside without the correct pass.
Rideshare and taxis
- Drop off: Set destination to the Tyler Street entrance. During public events, staff will direct drop zones outside the checkpoint - walking time varies by event layout.
- After the flag: Demand can spike - consider scheduling your ride or walking a few minutes away from the primary gate before requesting pickup if instructed by staff.
Public transport options
- SunLine Transit - Route 8: Serves the Thermal - Mecca corridor with stops such as 62nd at Buchanan and 66th at Date Palm. There is no dedicated event stop at the club - you will still need a taxi or rideshare for the final leg.
- From Palm Springs: Public bus journeys to Thermal require multiple transfers and take several hours - driving or rideshare is much faster for event attendance.
Walking from drop zones and lots
- Gate to spectator areas: Walking distances vary by event map. Stewarded routes are posted once you clear security. Allow extra time in afternoon heat.
Airports and long distance travel
- Jacqueline Cochran Regional TRM → Thermal Club: approximately 3 miles by road - convenient for private charters.
- Palm Springs International PSP → Thermal Club: roughly 27-29 miles by road - about 30-40 minutes by car depending on traffic.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- Main entrance - Tyler St: use for all ticketed events unless your pass specifies a different gate or lot.
- Event shuttles: only operate when specified on your ticket - some INDYCAR packages have included on site shuttles between parking and spectator areas.
Always follow the gate printed on your e-ticket and the event s pre-arrival email for parking lot, shuttle and security instructions.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around The Thermal Club Raceway (Thermal - Coachella Valley, California, USA)
Whether you are visiting for a members’ motorsport weekend, a manufacturer experience or a special event, the private circuit sits minutes from Indio and La Quinta with Palm Springs, desert hikes and family attractions close by - perfect for mornings, evenings and non race days.
Family friendly highlights near the circuit
- The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens (Palm Desert): Desert wildlife, giraffe feeding and model trains with shaded walking loops.
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Ride from canyon floor to alpine forest at over 2,500 m for viewpoints and easy loop trails at the top.
- Palm Desert Aquatic Center: Outdoor pools, slides and splash areas - a great warm weather cooldown.
- Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert: Hands on STEM and play exhibits in Rancho Mirage when open.
- Shields Date Garden (Indio): Sample date shakes, stroll the garden path and watch the short farm film - a quick, tasty stop.
- Acrisure Arena (Palm Desert): Family concerts, ice events and shows on select nights if you are staying longer.
Popular venues use dated or timed entry during peak season and festival weeks - reserve ahead for Fridays and Saturdays.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Palm Springs Art Museum: Modern and Native art plus a compact Architecture and Design Center a few blocks away.
- Sunnylands Center & Gardens (Rancho Mirage): Mid century estate grounds and exhibitions with reserved house tours on select days.
- Mid century modern architecture drive: Self guided routes through neighborhoods like Vista Las Palmas and Twin Palms for classic facades and doorways.
- Coachella Valley History Museum (Indio): Date industry history, gardens and heritage buildings for a quick local primer.
Eat and drink like a local
- El Paseo - Palm Desert: Patio dining and dessert spots along the Coachella Valley’s main shopping strip.
- La Quinta Village: Old Town streets for tacos, brunch patios and gelato after sunset walks.
- Palm Springs downtown: Classic diners, cocktail patios and late desserts around Palm Canyon Drive.
- Race week tip: Book dinner early during festival season or on weeks with major tennis and golf tournaments.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Indian Canyons - Tahquitz & Andreas: Palm oasis walks with seasonal waterfalls and easy family loops. Go early for cooler temps.
- La Quinta Cove: Short signed trails into the Santa Rosa foothills with big valley views at sunrise or sunset.
- Coachella Valley Preserve - Thousand Palms Oasis: Boardwalks through fan palms and desert tracks on cooler mornings.
- Cycle the CV Link sections: Growing multi use path network between Palm Springs and Indio for relaxed rides.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Joshua Tree National Park - 45 to 75 minutes to main entrances. Jumbo Rocks, Hidden Valley and Keys View work well for a single day. Pack water and sun protection.
- Pioneertown and Yucca Valley - About 60 minutes. Old west set, galleries and famed music venue dining - best late afternoon into evening.
- Idyllwild via Highway 74 - 75 to 90 minutes. Pine forests, cafés and short mountain walks for cool air days.
- Salton Sea - Bombay Beach - 45 to 70 minutes. Striking desert shoreline and art installations for photographers.
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park - 1.5 to 2 hours. Slot canyons, spring wildflowers and metal sculptures around Borrego Springs.
Times are approximate and rise in festival weeks. National and state parks may use timed entry or have trail closures after storms - check the latest notices.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - The club runs year round, but the most comfortable months are October to April. Regional events and valley festivals can pack hotels Thursday to Sunday.
- Weather - Desert climate with strong sun and very low humidity. Summer highs are extreme. Plan early starts, long lunches indoors and evening outings.
Practical notes during event weeks
- Private venue: The Thermal Club is a members’ facility with controlled access. Public entry is limited to credentialed or ticketed special events and pre booked programs.
- On site experiences: Manufacturer drive days and karting operate by reservation only and may pause during private programs.
- What to bring: Hat, sunscreen, refillable bottle and breathable clothing. Comfortable shoes for paddock concrete and desert trails.
- Festival overlap: Coachella, Stagecoach and other valley events drive traffic and reservations. Lock in dining and attractions early if your visit coincides.
Opening hours, seasonal operations and special event access can change - check official sites for the dates you attend.
Hotels & Accommodation
Location:
Thermal, California, USA
Track Info
The Thermal Club Raceway - Thermal, California, USA
Private motorsports club in the Coachella Valley - clockwise Twin Palms configuration - exclusive venue that hosted IndyCar in 2024 and 2025
When was the track built?
Conceived as a luxury, members only motorsports community beside Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport, The Thermal Club opened in the early 2010s and expanded in stages to more than five miles of configurable circuit. The complex pairs villas and paddock style garages with multiple links that create the South Palm, North Palm and Desert circuits, plus the 3.067 mile Twin Palms layout used by IndyCar.
When was its first race?
The venue’s first race at top level was IndyCar’s $1 Million Challenge on March 24, 2024, an all star exhibition with heats and a 20 lap feature. In 2025, IndyCar returned for a full points round titled the Thermal Club IndyCar Grand Prix.
What's the circuit like?
- High grip, big commitment: Modern asphalt rewards precision and rotation through linked medium speed corners before long acceleration zones.
- Overtaking sites: The heaviest stops lead into Turns 1, 3 and the back straight hairpins, where late braking and cutbacks pay off.
- Desert conditions: Warm, dry air and minimal bumps make tyre temperature and rear traction the setup focus across stints.
- Configurable campus: Multiple loops allow varied test and event layouts; Twin Palms stitches South Palm with extra connectors for a 17 turn lap.
- Benchmark pace: IndyCar race lap record 1:41.6145 on the 3.067 mile layout; heat race bests dipped into the high 1:39s on low fuel.
Lap records and benchmarks (by series)
- IndyCar (feature race lap): 1:41.6145 - Álex Palou, 2024 $1 Million Challenge - Twin Palms, 4.936 km.
- IndyCar (heat race fastest lap): 1:39.8051 - Álex Palou, Heat 2, 2024 event - same layout.
- IndyCar event distances: 2024 exhibition feature 20 laps (61.34 miles). 2025 points race scheduled for 65 laps (~199.36 miles).
Why go?
A ultra modern desert venue with panoramic sightlines, premium hospitality and a unique members club vibe. IndyCar’s visits proved the circuit races well with multiple braking zones and strategic tyre management, all against a Santa Rosa Mountains backdrop.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Turn 1 grandstands: Starts, restarts and classic late brakers into a tight right hander after a long run.
- Back straight hairpin: End of the fastest section for divebombs and switchbacks into the infield links.
- Middle sector sweepers: Shows chassis balance through consecutive direction changes and sets up passes two corners later.
- Pit straight: Great vantage for launches off the final corner, pit work and the sprint to the chequered flag.
Not just IndyCar: programs and series at Thermal
Ferrari Challenge North America: Set to debut at The Thermal Club in March 2026, adding a headline GT one make weekend to the calendar.
Manufacturer experience and testing: The private campus hosts OEM programs, hot laps and development testing year round across its multiple layouts.
Club and invitational racing: Member events and pro-am shootouts regularly use South Palm and Twin Palms configurations.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to The Thermal Club Raceway - Thermal, California
Best options are driving and using event directed parking, rideshare or taxi to the Tyler Street entrance, and private shuttles only when provided by the event (for example, select INDYCAR packages). The venue is a private members club, so public access is limited to ticketed events with controlled gate entry.
Driving and parking
- Set your GPS: 61980 Tyler St, Thermal, CA 92274. Follow temporary event signage and staff at the gate.
- Event directed parking: Public parking is only available when an event opens the venue to spectators. INDYCAR weekends have used ticket products that include parking and shuttle access - check your purchase confirmation for lot name and instructions.
- Private facility note: Vehicles without proper event credentials are not admitted past the security checkpoint - do not attempt to drive inside without the correct pass.
Rideshare and taxis
- Drop off: Set destination to the Tyler Street entrance. During public events, staff will direct drop zones outside the checkpoint - walking time varies by event layout.
- After the flag: Demand can spike - consider scheduling your ride or walking a few minutes away from the primary gate before requesting pickup if instructed by staff.
Public transport options
- SunLine Transit - Route 8: Serves the Thermal - Mecca corridor with stops such as 62nd at Buchanan and 66th at Date Palm. There is no dedicated event stop at the club - you will still need a taxi or rideshare for the final leg.
- From Palm Springs: Public bus journeys to Thermal require multiple transfers and take several hours - driving or rideshare is much faster for event attendance.
Walking from drop zones and lots
- Gate to spectator areas: Walking distances vary by event map. Stewarded routes are posted once you clear security. Allow extra time in afternoon heat.
Airports and long distance travel
- Jacqueline Cochran Regional TRM → Thermal Club: approximately 3 miles by road - convenient for private charters.
- Palm Springs International PSP → Thermal Club: roughly 27-29 miles by road - about 30-40 minutes by car depending on traffic.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- Main entrance - Tyler St: use for all ticketed events unless your pass specifies a different gate or lot.
- Event shuttles: only operate when specified on your ticket - some INDYCAR packages have included on site shuttles between parking and spectator areas.
Always follow the gate printed on your e-ticket and the event s pre-arrival email for parking lot, shuttle and security instructions.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around The Thermal Club Raceway (Thermal - Coachella Valley, California, USA)
Whether you are visiting for a members’ motorsport weekend, a manufacturer experience or a special event, the private circuit sits minutes from Indio and La Quinta with Palm Springs, desert hikes and family attractions close by - perfect for mornings, evenings and non race days.
Family friendly highlights near the circuit
- The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens (Palm Desert): Desert wildlife, giraffe feeding and model trains with shaded walking loops.
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Ride from canyon floor to alpine forest at over 2,500 m for viewpoints and easy loop trails at the top.
- Palm Desert Aquatic Center: Outdoor pools, slides and splash areas - a great warm weather cooldown.
- Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert: Hands on STEM and play exhibits in Rancho Mirage when open.
- Shields Date Garden (Indio): Sample date shakes, stroll the garden path and watch the short farm film - a quick, tasty stop.
- Acrisure Arena (Palm Desert): Family concerts, ice events and shows on select nights if you are staying longer.
Popular venues use dated or timed entry during peak season and festival weeks - reserve ahead for Fridays and Saturdays.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Palm Springs Art Museum: Modern and Native art plus a compact Architecture and Design Center a few blocks away.
- Sunnylands Center & Gardens (Rancho Mirage): Mid century estate grounds and exhibitions with reserved house tours on select days.
- Mid century modern architecture drive: Self guided routes through neighborhoods like Vista Las Palmas and Twin Palms for classic facades and doorways.
- Coachella Valley History Museum (Indio): Date industry history, gardens and heritage buildings for a quick local primer.
Eat and drink like a local
- El Paseo - Palm Desert: Patio dining and dessert spots along the Coachella Valley’s main shopping strip.
- La Quinta Village: Old Town streets for tacos, brunch patios and gelato after sunset walks.
- Palm Springs downtown: Classic diners, cocktail patios and late desserts around Palm Canyon Drive.
- Race week tip: Book dinner early during festival season or on weeks with major tennis and golf tournaments.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Indian Canyons - Tahquitz & Andreas: Palm oasis walks with seasonal waterfalls and easy family loops. Go early for cooler temps.
- La Quinta Cove: Short signed trails into the Santa Rosa foothills with big valley views at sunrise or sunset.
- Coachella Valley Preserve - Thousand Palms Oasis: Boardwalks through fan palms and desert tracks on cooler mornings.
- Cycle the CV Link sections: Growing multi use path network between Palm Springs and Indio for relaxed rides.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Joshua Tree National Park - 45 to 75 minutes to main entrances. Jumbo Rocks, Hidden Valley and Keys View work well for a single day. Pack water and sun protection.
- Pioneertown and Yucca Valley - About 60 minutes. Old west set, galleries and famed music venue dining - best late afternoon into evening.
- Idyllwild via Highway 74 - 75 to 90 minutes. Pine forests, cafés and short mountain walks for cool air days.
- Salton Sea - Bombay Beach - 45 to 70 minutes. Striking desert shoreline and art installations for photographers.
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park - 1.5 to 2 hours. Slot canyons, spring wildflowers and metal sculptures around Borrego Springs.
Times are approximate and rise in festival weeks. National and state parks may use timed entry or have trail closures after storms - check the latest notices.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - The club runs year round, but the most comfortable months are October to April. Regional events and valley festivals can pack hotels Thursday to Sunday.
- Weather - Desert climate with strong sun and very low humidity. Summer highs are extreme. Plan early starts, long lunches indoors and evening outings.
Practical notes during event weeks
- Private venue: The Thermal Club is a members’ facility with controlled access. Public entry is limited to credentialed or ticketed special events and pre booked programs.
- On site experiences: Manufacturer drive days and karting operate by reservation only and may pause during private programs.
- What to bring: Hat, sunscreen, refillable bottle and breathable clothing. Comfortable shoes for paddock concrete and desert trails.
- Festival overlap: Coachella, Stagecoach and other valley events drive traffic and reservations. Lock in dining and attractions early if your visit coincides.
Opening hours, seasonal operations and special event access can change - check official sites for the dates you attend.
