Thermal Club Set for Season Kickoff This Weekend

Photo: Ferrari

Nestled in California’s Coachella Valley with sweeping views of the Santa Rosa Mountains, The Thermal Club serves as the scenic backdrop for the latest round of Ferrari Challenge North America.

Located just outside Palm Springs, and minutes away from the Mexico border, Thermal has caught the eye of motorsport fans across the world for its luxury and exclusivity – much like the automotive manufacturer it welcomes this weekend. 

A private race track that doesn’t often pull back the curtains on its facility, Thermal reached mainstream audiences in 2025 with its first professional motorsports race featuring the IndyCar Series.

The same series held an exhibition race at Thermal one year prior, and SRO America also ran an offseason invitational event at the private racetrack back in 2019.

Because of its rarity, this weekend offers Ferrari fans – and sports car enthusiasts around the world – a unique opportunity to see racing at one of North America’s most exclusive circuits.

New for Some, Familiar for Others.

California has been a regular stop on the Ferrari Challenge North America calendar, but several teams from the Golden State are looking forward to the trip down south.

Three entries in particular will enjoy a home race.

In Trofeo Pirelli Am, Mitchell Green – last year’s Coppa Shell champion – will compete for his longtime team Ferrari Westlake, located just west of Los Angeles. 

Ferrari of Newport Beach is even closer in distance, running at Thermal with Glen Moss in Coppa Shell Am. Moss will contest the class alongside local Ferrari of Silicon Valley competitor Jesus Mendoza. 

Ferrari of San Francisco is also well represented with four entries: Brad Fauvre and George Grinzewitsch in Trofeo Pirelli, and Steve Check and John Lennon in Coppa Shell Am. 

More than half a dozen other drivers on the entry list are members of The Thermal Club.

Schedule and Streaming.

Official on-track activity at Thermal begins on Friday, following two days of testing on Wednesday and Thursday.

After Friday’s three practice sessions, qualifying for Race 1 takes place on Saturday at 9:40 a.m. local time (12:40 p.m. ET). The first green flag of the season drops at 2:15 p.m. for Trofeo Pirelli and at 3 p.m. for Coppa Shell.

Qualifying 2 starts Sunday’s action at 9:35 a.m., with Coppa Shell’s second race at 2:25 p.m. and Trofeo Pirelli at 3:25 p.m.

All Ferrari Challenge races will stream live on Ferrari’s YouTube channel.

Source: Sports Car 365