After nearly four decades of roaring engines through the streets of Toronto’s Exhibition Place, IndyCar racing is writing a bold new chapter in Ontario. The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham is set to debut on August 14–16, 2026 — and it promises to be one of the most exciting additions to the IndyCar calendar in years.
The move to Markham was born from circumstance as much as ambition. The 2026 FIFA World Cup’s demands on Toronto’s Exhibition Place forced organizers to seek an alternative venue, and the fast-growing city of Markham — just 15 miles northeast of downtown Toronto — stepped up to fill the void. What could have been a logistical headache for Canadian motorsport fans has instead become an opportunity to create something bigger and better.
The new street circuit, designed by renowned motorsport track designer Tony Cotman of NZR Consulting — the same mind behind the Nashville and Arlington circuits — is a flowing 12-turn layout measuring 2.19 miles (3.52 km). Bounded by Kennedy Road, Enterprise Boulevard, the Unionville GO rail line, and Highway 407, the course features long straights, technical corners, and one of the sport’s most distinctive features: a double-sided pit lane, a rare configuration previously seen only at IndyCar’s Detroit and Arlington rounds.
Preparations have been underway since late 2025, with major road resurfacing and intersection modifications transforming Markham’s downtown streets for race day. Enterprise Blvd, YMCA Blvd, Unionville Gate, University Blvd, and Kennedy Rd have all been reworked to create a circuit worthy of the sport’s fastest open-wheel cars. The proximity to active Metrolinx rail lines added a unique logistical challenge that organizers tackled in close coordination with transit authorities.
For Markham, the event is far more than just a race — it’s a statement. The inaugural weekend is billed as the largest sporting event in York Region history, with crowds expected to exceed 140,000 and an estimated economic impact of $50 million for the local community, supporting around 10,000 jobs. With Honda Canada’s headquarters situated right in the city, the Ontario Honda Dealers branding couldn’t be a more natural fit. This race truly belongs here.
There’s a personal story woven into this debut that adds a special layer of meaning. IndyCar race winner and beloved TV commentator James Hinchcliffe was born and raised right here in Markham. He has spoken openly about how ‘extra special’ it is to see IndyCar racing come to his hometown streets — and for Canadian fans, watching Hinchcliffe cover a race in his own backyard will be a highlight of the broadcast all on its own.
Green Savoree Racing Promotions, the experienced team behind Toronto’s long-running Indy event, will organize the Markham race, bringing decades of expertise to the new venue. With a five-year deal already in place, this isn’t a one-off detour — Markham Centre is set to become a permanent fixture on the IndyCar calendar, carrying forward an Ontario tradition that stretches all the way back to the first Molson Indy in 1986.
Whether you’re a longtime IndyCar devotee or a newcomer to open-wheel racing, the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham is an event worth experiencing. The festival runs August 14–16, 2026, culminating in race day on Sunday the 16th. The streets are ready. The cars are coming. And a city is about to write its own chapter in Canadian motorsport history.
About the Author
