The president of the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham is proud of how the event came together, but he’s sorry that most fans went home disappointed after the event’s opening day.
Jeff Atkinson mentioned that setting up the track around the streets of downtown Markham, Ont., for the first time and getting it approved by safety inspectors from Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, which governs motorsports worldwide, was a significant challenge for the event.
His team couldn’t finish preparing the course until early Saturday morning, resulting in Friday’s full schedule of on-track activities being cancelled.
“We know we disappointed a lot of the people that were here on our Ontario Honda Dealers present Free Fam Friday, and for that we’re sorry,” said Atkinson on Wednesday. “We’re sorry that we weren’t ready to have race cars on the track on Friday.”
This marked the first year Markham hosted the event after it moved from Toronto’s Exhibition Place, where it had taken place since 1986. Markham is set to host the event for four years under contract.
FIA certifies tracks every three years unless there’s a major change in course layout or if it moves locations entirely. The former street track around downtown Toronto’s fairgrounds had been certified multiple times and was in good standing.
Because last week was when they built a new 12-turn, 3.52-kilometre track in Markham, it required a thorough inspection to ensure it met FIA’s standards. The temporary course ran between Kennedy Road, Enterprise Boulevard, Unionville GO tracks, and Highway 407.
This event features Canada’s only Indy Car Series race while also hosting races for other classes like USF2000 Championship, USF Pro 2000, Radical Cup Canada, and NASCAR Canada Series.
WATCH | Markham’s Indy race was shut down Friday:
Markham’s 1st Ontario Honda Dealers Indy deals with delays
Auto racing fans are excited for this weekend’s Indy race in Markham. It’s their first time hosting this race that used to take place along Toronto’s waterfront for many years. But as CBC’s Greg Ross reports from track-side, delays have caused some frustration ahead of the race.
The plan for Friday included practice sessions for Indy Car along with qualifying rounds and races planned for other classes. Off-track activities such as simulators and vendors remained open while work continued on the track.
With Friday cancelled, Saturday featured 12 hours packed with on-track events across all classifications including both practice sessions for Indy Car plus its qualifying session.
Sweden’s Marcus Ericsson claimed victory in Sunday’s race.
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Markham’s 1st Ontario Honda Dealers Indy deals with delays
Auto racing fans are excited for this weekend’s Indy race in Markham. It’s their first time hosting this race that used to take place along Toronto’s waterfront for many years. But as CBC’s Greg Ross reports from track-side, delays have caused some frustration ahead of the race.
The plan for Friday included practice sessions for Indy Car along with qualifying rounds and races planned for other classes. Off-track activities such as simulators and vendors remained open while work continued on the track.
With Friday cancelled, Saturday featured 12 hours packed with on-track events across all classifications including both practice sessions for Indy Car plus its qualifying session.
Sweden’s Marcus Ericsson claimed victory in Sunday’s race.
‘We missed the mark’: Indy race president
“We missed the mark on our Friday offering. We know our fans enjoyed our vendors and our exhibitor area but there’s still plenty we need to improve upon moving forward,” stated Atkinson who works with race promoter Green Savoree Racing Promotions. “We’ll be reaching out to our fans and festival attendees to gather their feedback as we continue building this event in Markham because we recognize this venue is much easier to access for many attendees.” The availability of public transit was one key selling point during planning; both Atkinson and Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti pointed out that Unionville GO station was integrated into site development. Its parking lot serves as a double-sided pit lane along with grandstand space providing spectators convenient access to everything happening there. “I think one major perk regarding transportation was coming into Unionville GO station via GO train – you’re dropped off right at center ice,” remarked Scarpitti. “That played a big part in why Green Savoree chose Markham.” “Seventy-one percent of those who attended found commuting easier thanks to this location which mattered too.” Scarpitti confirmed back in February that capital expenses incurred by city officials exceeded $12 million largely due towards one-off infrastructure upgrades like road repaving projects; drivers praised improved tarmac quality throughout various conversations post-race. On July 27 th , Ontario government announced investing $1.5 million towards supporting these events ; however spokesperson representing ministry declined commenting specifically about article referring inquiries over Green Savoree instead. Federal Economic Development Agency Southern Ontario revealed earlier July31 st confirming they invested $3.5 million overall funding dedicated toward facilitating successful completion hosting these occasions respectively.Source link
