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IndyCar will not return to Thermal Club in 2026, track owner says

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THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) - IndyCar will not be returning to the Thermal Club in 2026, track founder Tim Rogers told News Channel 3 Sports Director Blake Arthur.

Rogers says they hope to host another race in the near future, ideally in 2027.

The official 2026 IndyCar season schedule has not been released yet, although there were some rumors brewing since April that the race may not return.

KESQ reached out to IndyCar for information on this story. Their response was "INDYCAR is evaluating the 2026 schedule. Hope to have more towards the end of summer."

IndyCar held races the last two seasons at the Thermal Club. A special $1 million exhibition race in March 2024 that did not count towards the title race. This year, IndyCar returned to the track for an official Grand Prix.

ESPN reports that about 3,000 fans attended this year's race in what was noted as "the smallest turnout over three days for an IndyCar championship event."

It's worth noting that Rogers called Sports Director Blake Arthur Wednesday evening, saying that discussions are still ongoing.

Rogers added that IndyCar saw this story and expressed interest in still doing a race, especially if Mexico City doesn't work out, which is the preferred destination for next year.

With that, Thermal Club could still be in play for a race, but no event is scheduled as of right now.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments on this story.

Article Topic Follows: Local Sports Headlines

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Blake Arthur

Sports Director Blake Arthur joined the KESQ/CBS Local 2 team in August of 2015. Learn more about Blake here.

Jesus Reyes

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