Markham

Circuit History

The move to Markham Centre was born from necessity and ambition. Since 1986, Canada’s IndyCar round ran through Toronto’s Exhibition Place, but the 2026 FIFA World Cup upheaval at that venue forced a search for alternatives. Markham – a fast-growing city about 15 miles (25 km) northeast of downtown Toronto – quickly emerged as the solution. 

Mayor Frank Scarpitti had long sought a marquee sporting event for his city, even proposing a 20,000-seat arena in the area a decade earlier. In September 2025 his vision materialised: a five-year deal was announced to relocate IndyCar’s Ontario race to Markham Centre. The event was rebranded the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham, ensuring that Ontario’s nearly 40-year IndyCar tradition would continue on new streets.

Design of the new street circuit was entrusted to Tony Cotman of NZR Consulting, who has also overseen the Nashville and Arlington street circuits in recent years for IndyCar. Cotman’s plan placed the temporary course in Markham’s eastern downtown precinct, bounded by Kennedy Road, Enterprise Boulevard, the Unionville GO railway and Highway 407. The result is a flowing 12-turn loop of 3.52 km, including long straights, technical corners and a pit lane with garages on both sides – a rare feature first trialled at IndyCar’s Detroit and Arlington street races. 

Early works to widen roads and modify intersections commenced in late 2025, coordinated with transit agency Metrolinx given the track’s proximity to active rail lines. By spring 2026, Markham’s streets were being transformed for racing, with Enterprise Blvd, YMCA Blvd, Unionville Gate, University Blvd and Kennedy Rd all resurfaced or realigned to form the circuit.

Though 2026 marks Markham’s debut in motorsport, the city holds a personal link to IndyCar. James Hinchcliffe, an IndyCar race winner and popular TV commentator, was born in Markham . He lauded the news that his hometown would host a race, calling it “extra special” to see Indy cars hit those streets .

The choice of Markham also aligns with its business community – Honda Canada’s headquarters is in the city, making it a fitting home for the Honda Indy. Local enthusiasm is high: the race is billed as the largest sports event in York Region’s history and a major economic boon, with an estimated $50 million boost and 10,000 jobs supported by the weekend festival.

The inaugural Markham Indy is scheduled for August 16, 2026, capping a three-day summer festival from August 14–16. Green Savoree Racing Promotions – the same team behind Toronto’s race – will organize the event with support from the City of Markham .

With its multi-year agreement in place, Markham Centre is set to become a permanent fixture on the IndyCar calendar rather than a one-off detour. As engines prepare to roar through downtown Markham, the city is poised to write its own chapter of racing lore, carrying forward an Ontario tradition that began with the Molson Indy four decades ago.