With 12 drivers vying for victory and a substantial cash prize, the question arises: will the race officials allow aggressive driving or enforce strict guidelines to prevent chaos on the track?

Novak, who previously worked in IMSA's race control, where contact between fendered prototypes and GT cars was routine, aims to maintain consistency in his approach. "There's no intention to call it any differently than we have in the past," Novak affirmed. He emphasized that the race will be governed using the same basic fundamentals as previous events. Novak, being conscious of the potential risks associated with open-wheel racing, remains vigilant about ensuring wheel-to-wheel entanglements and airborne accidents are prevented.

Despite the allure of the lucrative prizes, including up to $500,000 for the winner, Novak expects the drivers to prioritize safety over aggressive maneuvers. "Anytime you uncork open-wheel cars, you introduce elements that you don't have with fenders. We're certainly cognizant of that," he stated. Novak intends to adhere to the established plan and maintain the current guidelines unless there is a consensus among the drivers for a change during the drivers' meeting.

As a race director, Novak recognizes that it's not his role to micromanage the drivers' actions within the cockpit. He believes they are professionals who know how to perform their jobs. Novak's focus is on outlining the parameters set by IndyCar and providing clear explanations. "It's not my role...to tell them how to conduct themselves, other than how it relates to the rule structure," he explained. The race director is more concerned with ensuring a safe infrastructure and managing the technical aspects of the race, such as starts, restarts, contact, and blocking.

The format of the $1 Million Challenge is anticipated to be fast-paced, with last year's lap times ranging from 1m38s to 1m40s at The Thermal Club. The race will be divided into two 10-lap segments with a 10-minute halftime break, followed by a thrilling 10-lap finale. This compressed structure leaves the race control team with limited time to review incidents and assign penalties, assuming there are no cautions or red flags.

However, Novak isn't concerned about the tight officiating window. He points out that without pit stops, a significant source of calls and assessments, managing the race becomes more streamlined. Only drivers with issues will be in the pit lane, expediting the process. Novak assures that the fundamentals of reviewing incidents won't change significantly, as they typically take around five minutes, even in standard IndyCar races.

As the anticipation builds for the $1 Million Challenge at The Thermal Club, the IndyCar race control team, led by Novak, remains committed to ensuring a fair and enjoyable competition. With a focus on safety and adherence to established guidelines, the team is prepared to handle the dynamic nature of the event, providing a thrilling race for both drivers and fans alike.