The Thermal Club

The Thermal Club stands as one of North America's premier private racing facilities, offering a unique blend of motorsport excitement and luxury living. Located in the sun-drenched Coachella Valley of California, this exclusive motorsports resort opened its first track segment in 2014, transforming a desert landscape into a racing paradise. The club combines world-class racing circuits with high-end residential properties, creating a community where automotive enthusiasts can live trackside and access professional-grade racing facilities whenever they desire.

Location and Development

Situated near the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport in Thermal, California, this motorsports haven spans approximately 400 acres of Coachella Valley desert. The club began operations in 2012, with the first circuit opening to members in 2014. The development stands out for its exclusive membership model, which requires the purchase of a luxury villa overlooking the racing circuits. During construction, the club relocated about 14,000 palm trees throughout the property, maintaining the natural desert beauty while creating a functional racing environment.

Track Design and Configurations

Alan Wilson, a respected track designer, created the racing circuits at The Thermal Club. The facility features three distinct tracks that can combine into more than 20 different layouts: - South Palm Circuit (red): A 2-mile track featuring three long straightaways, opened in 2014 - North Palm Circuit (blue): A 1.4-mile layout with a sweeping carousel corner and elevation changes, opened in 2015 - Desert Circuit (green): A 1.7-mile course with connected cambered corners that mimic mountain roads, opened in 2017 When combined, these circuits create over 5.1 miles (8.2 km) of racing surface. Each track uses color-coded kerbing and trackside paint for easy identification. The Twin Palms layout, spanning 3.067 miles with 19 turns, serves as the configuration for IndyCar events at the facility.

Technical Specifications

The racing surface at The Thermal Club features a special asphalt formula developed with input from racing legend Roger Penske to withstand the extreme desert temperatures. Safety remains a priority with expansive paved runoff areas throughout the circuits. The facility includes covered pit lanes, fueling stations, and an 18-foot noise-containment wall known as the "Great Wall of Thermal." The track design accommodates both professional racing teams and amateur enthusiasts with varying skill levels.

Racing History and Events

While primarily a private club, The Thermal Club has hosted significant motorsport events: - In 2020, the SRO Organization held its Pirelli World Championship Winter Racing Series at the facility - In 2022 and 2023, the IndyCar Series conducted its pre-season testing exclusively at the venue - In March 2024, the club hosted IndyCar's non-championship $1 Million Challenge, won by Álex Palou - In 2025, The Thermal Club will host its first full IndyCar championship points race, the INDYCAR Grand Prix

Facilities and Amenities

Beyond the racing circuits, The Thermal Club offers comprehensive facilities for members and visitors. The Motorsports Village includes a full-service tuning garage where staff maintain member vehicles. A four-story main tower provides panoramic views of the entire facility. The club also houses the BMW Performance Driving School, offering professional instruction for drivers of all skill levels. The Thermal Club received recognition as the best motorsport facility of the year at the 2017 World Expo, cementing its status as a world-class racing destination.