Indy Car is headed to Markham.
The open-wheel auto racing series announced on Wednesday that it’s shifting the Grand Prix of Toronto from Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto to the northeastern suburb of Markham, and it will now take place later in the summer. Neil Lumsden, Ontario’s Minister of Sport, expressed his satisfaction with the multiyear agreement that keeps the race – now called the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham – within the province.
“The Indy is one of North America’s premier motorsport events and has been a cornerstone of Ontario’s events calendar for nearly forty years,” said Lumsden in a statement. “Sport tourism is a major economic driver for our province, and I am thrilled that this iconic event will continue to call Ontario home; thank you to the City of Markham for opening your doors to help start this new chapter.
“This event will continue to drive tourism, boost our economy, and strengthen Ontario’s reputation as a premier destination for world-class sporting events.”
The Grand Prix of Toronto is among the oldest races on the Indy Car schedule, with its first race taking place in 1986. Exhibition Place has hosted this event since its inaugural race.
The new temporary track will be constructed in the eastern area of downtown Markham, between Kennedy Road, Enterprise Boulevard, Unionville GO tracks and Highway 407. Track designer Tony Cotman from NZR Consulting is leading the design process for this temporary circuit, which features a 12-turn, 3.52-kilometre layout including a double-sided pit lane, exciting straightaways and technically demanding sections.
The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy was typically held in July, but the 2026 race in Markham will occur from August 14-16.
Markham has started early preparations on both the track and festival site in collaboration with Metrolinx and other local partners.
“We are excited to welcome the thrilling experience of Indy Car Series racing hitting our streets in 2026,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “We are proud to bring this world-class event into our community.
“Markham is ready to build on its strong sports legacy and provide a new home where this celebrated summer tradition can thrive. I am extremely proud of our team at the City of Markham for bringing this initiative across the finish line in just a matter of months.”
The event is expected to attract over 140,000 attendees during its three-day weekend and generate tens of millions in economic activity through sport tourism, hospitality and event services.
Scarpitti mentioned at a news conference announcing the move that it will become York Region’s largest sporting event.
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