The president of the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy in Markham is pleased with how the event turned out, but he regrets that many fans left feeling let down after the opening day.
Jeff Atkinson mentioned that organizing the track layout around downtown Markham, Ont., for the first time and getting it approved by safety inspectors from Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, the global authority for motorsports, was a significant hurdle.
His team wasn’t able to complete the course until early Saturday morning, which led to Friday’s entire schedule of on-track activities being canceled.
Honda Indy Race personnel scooter along empty racetracks as preparations continue ahead of the 2026 Honda Indy in Markham, Ont., Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sammy Kogan
“We know we disappointed a lot of people who came to our Ontario Honda Dealers present Free Fam Friday, and we apologize for that,” said Atkinson on Wednesday. “We’re sorry we weren’t prepared to have race cars on the track on Friday.”
This marked Markham’s first year hosting the event after it was relocated from Toronto’s Exhibition Place, where it had been held since 1986. Markham has a contract to host this event for four more years.
FIA certifies tracks every three years unless there’s a major change in course design or if it moves completely. The former street circuit around downtown Toronto’s fairgrounds had been certified multiple times and was compliant.
Since last week saw the construction of a new 12-turn, 3.52-kilometre track in Markham for its inaugural use, it required a full inspection to ensure compliance with FIA standards. The temporary circuit ran between Kennedy Road, Enterprise Boulevard, Unionville GO tracks and Highway 407.
The event features Canada’s only Indy Car Series race but also includes competitions across various vehicle classes like USF2000 Championship, USF Pro 2000, Radical Cup Canada, and NASCAR Canada Series.
Friday was intended to kick off practice sessions for Indy Car along with practice runs and qualifying for other classes. Off-track attractions such as simulators and food vendors remained open while work continued on the track.
With Friday’s cancellation, Saturday offered 12 hours packed with on-track activities across all categories including both practice sessions and qualifying rounds for Indy Car.
Sweden’s Marcus Ericsson took home victory in Sunday’s race.
Marcus Ericsson, of Sweden, celebrates after winning the 2026 Honda Indy in Markham, Ont., on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman Marcus Ericsson, of Sweden, celebrates after winning the 2026 Honda Indy in Markham, Ont., on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman
“We missed our mark with our Friday offering. We know our fans appreciated our vendors and exhibitor area; however there’s plenty we need to improve upon moving forward,” stated Atkinson who represents race promoter Green Savoree Racing Promotions.
“We’ll be engaging with our fans and festival attendees to gather their feedback as we aim to enhance this event in Markham because we recognize this venue is much more accessible for many attendees coming here.”
Convenient access via public transport was one of the highlights of this event; Atkinson along with Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti emphasized that Unionville GO station played a key role in its setup. Its parking area accommodates a double-sided pit lane alongside grandstands providing easy access for spectators arriving at this site.
“I think what really stood out regarding transportation options for fans was arriving at Unionville GO station by train right at center ice,” noted Scarpitti. “This aspect factored into Green Savoree’s decision to choose Markham.”
“Seventy-one percent of those attending this race found their commute easier thanks to this location; that matters too.”
Scarpitti confirmed back in February that capital investments made by the city related to hosting this race exceeded $12 million mainly due to one-time infrastructure upgrades such as road resurfacing efforts which received praise from several Indy Car drivers.
“Let me talk about the track,” said second-place finisher Romain Grosjean during his post-race news conference. “Amazing job by Markham! Thank you so much for having us! The pavement felt fantastic; everything about this racetrack is great overall!”.
”Driving here has been an enjoyable experience.. Smooth tarmac like this improves racing significantly compared to other locations.”
Marcus Ericsson , of Sweden , crosses finish line wins at Honda Indie marking success Sunday August.16th ,2026. THECANADIANPRESS / Sammy Kogan Marcus Ericsson , of Sweden , crosses finish line win s at Honda Indie marking success Sunday August.16 th ,2026. THECANADIANPRESS / Sammy KoganOn July27th, the Ontario government announcedit would invest$1.5 millioninthisevent. Aspokespersonfor Ontario ’s ministryof sports declinedto comment forthis articleand directed The Canadian Pressto Green Savoree.
The Federal Economic Development Agencyfor Southern Ontarioreportedon July31stthatithadinvested$3.5millionin Indy. Eventimpactwas praisedby Evan Solomon, ministerresponsiblefortheagency, inastatementprovided Wednesdaybyhisspoke s person.
“The Ontario Honda Dealers Indyin Markhambroughtthousandsvisitors, fansandbusinessestogetherand showcased Markhmasadestinationcapableofhostingmajorinternationalevents,”saidthestatement.“Ourgovernmentisproudtosupportthe Cityof Markha m ’seffortsleveragethiseventtodriveeconomicgrowthattractinvestmentandcreateopportunitiesforlocalbusinessesandworkers.”
This reportby The Canadian Presswasfirst Aug.19 ,2026.
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Marcus Ericsson, of Sweden, celebrates after winning the 2026 Honda Indy in Markham, Ont., on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman Marcus Ericsson, of Sweden, celebrates after winning the 2026 Honda Indy in Markham, Ont., on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman
“We missed our mark with our Friday offering. We know our fans appreciated our vendors and exhibitor area; however there’s plenty we need to improve upon moving forward,” stated Atkinson who represents race promoter Green Savoree Racing Promotions.
“We’ll be engaging with our fans and festival attendees to gather their feedback as we aim to enhance this event in Markham because we recognize this venue is much more accessible for many attendees coming here.”
Convenient access via public transport was one of the highlights of this event; Atkinson along with Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti emphasized that Unionville GO station played a key role in its setup. Its parking area accommodates a double-sided pit lane alongside grandstands providing easy access for spectators arriving at this site.
“I think what really stood out regarding transportation options for fans was arriving at Unionville GO station by train right at center ice,” noted Scarpitti. “This aspect factored into Green Savoree’s decision to choose Markham.”
“Seventy-one percent of those attending this race found their commute easier thanks to this location; that matters too.”
Scarpitti confirmed back in February that capital investments made by the city related to hosting this race exceeded $12 million mainly due to one-time infrastructure upgrades such as road resurfacing efforts which received praise from several Indy Car drivers.
“Let me talk about the track,” said second-place finisher Romain Grosjean during his post-race news conference. “Amazing job by Markham! Thank you so much for having us! The pavement felt fantastic; everything about this racetrack is great overall!”.”Driving here has been an enjoyable experience.. Smooth tarmac like this improves racing significantly compared to other locations.”
Marcus Ericsson , of Sweden , crosses finish line wins at Honda Indie marking success Sunday August.16th ,2026. THECANADIANPRESS / Sammy Kogan Marcus Ericsson , of Sweden , crosses finish line win s at Honda Indie marking success Sunday August.16 th ,2026. THECANADIANPRESS / Sammy KoganOn July27th, the Ontario government announcedit would invest$1.5 millioninthisevent. Aspokespersonfor Ontario ’s ministryof sports declinedto comment forthis articleand directed The Canadian Pressto Green Savoree.
The Federal Economic Development Agencyfor Southern Ontarioreportedon July31stthatithadinvested$3.5millionin Indy. Eventimpactwas praisedby Evan Solomon, ministerresponsiblefortheagency, inastatementprovided Wednesdaybyhisspoke s person.
“The Ontario Honda Dealers Indyin Markhambroughtthousandsvisitors, fansandbusinessestogetherand showcased Markhmasadestinationcapableofhostingmajorinternationalevents,”saidthestatement.“Ourgovernmentisproudtosupportthe Cityof Markha m ’seffortsleveragethiseventtodriveeconomicgrowthattractinvestmentandcreateopportunitiesforlocalbusinessesandworkers.”
This reportby The Canadian Presswasfirst Aug.19 ,2026.
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