A brand-new free attraction at an Ontario mall will allow you to hop into the driver’s seat of a professional racing simulator.
CF Markville shopping centre in Markham is getting ready for a makeover ahead of the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy, marking the motorsports festival’s first year in this Toronto suburb following a five-year agreement made last year to shift the Grand Prix of Toronto from Exhibition Place to Markham.
While residents of Toronto may be disappointed to see this major event move north, the upcoming first Markham Indy in August is turning out to be quite significant for the suburb’s roughly 376,000 inhabitants.
Markville mall is joining in on the festivities with several free activities planned for August, including a “racing simulator experience” that will let visitors try their hand on the track (safely) on Saturday, Aug. 1, and Sunday, Aug. 2.
This attraction – created through a partnership with Toronto Racing Simulators – will feature four high-quality racing simulators set up in the mall where guests can drive on a virtual version of the real Markham Indy track layout and challenge professional lap times.
Alongside the racing simulator pop-up, CF Markville is also hosting a “1:20 Speed Challenge,” where those who achieve an average simulator lap time of 1 minute and 20 seconds or quicker will receive a $15 gift card.
“We are thrilled to welcome families and racing fans to CF Markville to kick off a historic milestone for our city,” said Kelly Vieira, General Manager, CF Markville.
In addition to the simulator experience, other complimentary interactive events coming to CF Markville include a race car displayed in the mall’s Grand Court throughout the weekend and appearances by local racer Demi Chalkias from Markham. She’ll be available for meet-and-greets, autographs, and photos both days from 1:00 p. m. to 3:00 p. m.
“As Markham hosts its largest-ever sporting event, we wanted to bring that trackside energy directly to our community. Whether guests are testing their skills on professional simulators or meeting local star Demi Chalkias, CF Markville will be the ultimate hub for pre-race excitement,” said Viera.
Professional racer and Markham native Demi Chalkias. Cadillac Fairview/CNW
CF Markville is located at 5000 Hwy 7, Markham, Ont., with events happening Saturday, Aug. 1 from 10 a. m. to 6 p. m., and Sunday, Aug. 2 from 11 a. m. to 6 p. m.
Lead photo by
Toronto Racing Simulators
