Markham is revving up for a weekend full of racing excitement as it welcomes the NTT IndyCar Series for the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy event. While IndyCar has a history in Toronto, this will mark the first time the race is held outside the city, featuring a brand-new track layout.
The 3.52-kilometre, 12-turn course will wind through various locations, including the Unionville GO station grounds, the York University Markham Campus, and the Markham Pan Am Centre. To help attendees reach the track, organizers recommend utilizing GO Transit, York Region Transit, or driving via Highway 407, with parking available west of the event grounds.
Special transportation arrangements have been put in place, including expanded Stouffville Line services by Metrolinx and increased York Region Transit frequency. Shuttle services between designated parking lots and the event site will also be provided by Markham.
Residents have endured months of construction impacts, including limited parking spaces at Unionville GO, road repaving, and setup of grandstands and retainer walls. A series of road closures in Markham Centre, affecting Enterprise Boulevard, Kennedy Road, YMCA Boulevard, University Boulevard, and South Unionville Boulevard, will be in effect until Monday morning, with some roads remaining closed until August 27 for track dismantling.
The main event on Sunday features the highly anticipated IndyCar race, with Spaniard Alex Palou leading the points and favored to win. Alongside Palou, drivers to watch include Pato O’Ward, Kyle Kirkwood, David Malukas, Christian Lundgaard, and Rinus Veekay. Local talent like Anthony Martella and Chase Pelletier will also compete in supporting series.
Drivers have noted the unique challenges of the Markham track, with its smooth surface and unfamiliar layout providing a fresh experience. Ticket information for the Saturday and Sunday races is available on the event website, while Friday’s practice and qualifying sessions are open to the public for free as part of Fan Friday, with donations encouraged for Make-A-Wish Canada.