IndyCar Series Set to Race in Markham Starting 2026

The sound of racing engines along Toronto’s lakeshore will be replaced as the annual NTT Indy Car Series moves north.

Green Savoree Racing Promotions, the organizer of the yearly event, shared with CBC Toronto on Tuesday that they are relocating the Indy Car Series race to downtown Markham in 2026. A five-year agreement has been made between the organizers and the city to host the race in Markham.

The event is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 14 through Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026.

“We searched all over Ontario from Niagara Falls to Oshawa and Ottawa, looking for a suitable place for this fantastic event,” Jeff Atkinson, president of the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Markham told CBC Toronto. “In the end, it came back to Markham. The city was thrilled about it, just like we were.”

The Toronto race had been part of the Indy Car Series for nearly four decades, taking place at Exhibition Place since 1986. It was among the longest-running races on the U. S.-based series schedule but faced cancellations in 2008 and again in both 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Jeff Atkinson, President of Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Markham, believes moving the race allows them to establish a solid foundation within the community. (Oliver Walters/CBC)

‘We want to build a foundation’

Organizers mentioned that with Toronto hosting games for the FIFA World Cup at BMO Field in 2026 and various developments at Exhibition Place making things complicated, holding this event there was no longer an option.

“We’ve been on one-year contracts at Exhibition Place leading up to next year’s race,” Atkinson said. “Going forward, we prefer not just doing one year at a time; we want something more stable.”

Atkinson pointed out that attendance data showed most fans would find it easier to get to downtown Markham than other locations.

“Whether by car or transit, this is an excellent location for hosting an event.”

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti stated it would be “the largest sporting event” in their city and will enhance Markham’s reputation as a prominent global city.

‘Next year around this time, Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham will turn our streets into a racing spectacle featuring some of fastest drivers globally,’ he remarked on Wednesday.

The almost finalized circuit spans 3.52 kilometers and partially sits on Unionville GO property which will provide train services throughout that weekend while also passing by York University’s Markham Campus. The course features twelve turns and includes a split pit road.

This layout is over half a kilometer longer than what was used in Toronto before. Organizers emphasize that there’ll be more room available for spectators too.

Race organizers mention fans will have access via two major highways (400-series), Unionville GO Station, plus VIVA Rapid Transit system when heading to attend events expected to attract around 150,000 attendees across three days (Oliver Walters/CBC)

‘There’ll be plenty of great viewing spots available as we ran out space down at Exhibition Place needing extra seating which wasn’t possible.’

‘It’s going to be a very competitive circuit,’ Atkinson said. ‘Expect lots of technical turns combined with high speeds navigating through these streets creating an incredible experience for drivers.’... The upcoming circuit measuring twelve turns spanning across 3.52 kilometers partially rests upon Unionville GO property alongside York University’s campus.(Submitted by Green Savoree Racing Promotions)

<e) The race enjoys sponsorship from Ontario Honda Dealers Association with Honda Canada being located right within Markham making hosting here appealing from their perspective too; organizers believe tourism potential also played into awarding them this event.
“This area offers fantastic dining options alongside numerous hotel accommodations ensuring visitors feel welcomed,” noted Atkinson explaining further adding up towards how much economic boost could possibly come about reaching roughly $40-$50 million worth overall impact brought onto communities nearby!</““!

Green Savoree Racing Promotions is behind another successful street racing experience already happening down south St. Petersburg Florida since early ’00s; according estimates given insights being collected prior adapting concepts based off its accomplishments gained thus far into future endeavors!

A trip made recently by Scarpitti visiting seeing firsthand tracks proximity effects residents right beside track enjoying normal conversations hardly noticing passing cars racing! Many condos existing next door residents took awhile adjusting initial sounds coming through initially unsure whether liking setup long term but ultimately accepted once understood context better overall!

Despite some opposing opinions expressed among certain individuals living nearby however!” Ed Leung voiced concerns stating “This isn’t exactly ideal setting; noise & pollution pose challenges people won’t appreciate here” highlighting various viewpoints present within debate ongoing discussing future prospect participation community decisions yet unfold ahead!”{!}</further details regarding additional support series entertainment amenities announced upcoming months may follow suit soon thereafter!]}

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