Markham is gearing up for an exciting weekend as it hosts the NTT IndyCar Series, including the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy event. While IndyCar has a history of racing in Toronto, this will mark the first time the race is held outside the city, featuring a brand-new track layout.
The race will take place on a 3.52-kilometre, 12-turn course, with parts of the track running through the Unionville GO station grounds, York University Markham Campus, and the Markham Pan Am Centre. To facilitate access to the event, attendees are encouraged to utilize GO Transit, York Region Transit, or drive via Highway 407, with parking available west of the event grounds.
Metrolinx is enhancing service on the Stouffville Line to accommodate race attendees, offering additional trips from Union Station to Unionville GO in the mornings and afternoons on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. York Region Transit will also have increased service, and shuttle services will be provided from designated parking lots to the event grounds in Markham.
As a result of track construction, Markham residents have experienced disruptions, including limited parking spaces at Unionville GO and road closures on Enterprise Boulevard, Kennedy Road, YMCA Boulevard, University Boulevard, and South Unionville Boulevard until Monday morning. Some closures will persist until August 27 for track dismantling.
The main event on Sunday will feature IndyCar racing, with the race starting at 12:22 p.m. ET. One of the favorites is Spaniard Alex Palou, the current points leader and a dominant force in the series. Notable competitors include Pato O’Ward, Kyle Kirkwood, David Malukas, Christian Lundgaard, and Rinus Veekay.
Local talent, such as Vaughan’s Anthony Martella and Toronto’s Chase Pelletier, will also be competing in support series races. Additionally, the NASCAR Canada Series will debut in Markham with drivers like Alex Tagliani, Sam Fellows, Marc-Antoine Camirand, and Jared Odrick.
Drivers have praised the new track in Markham for its smooth surface and unique features, such as elevation changes. Tickets for the event can be purchased on the official website, with Friday’s practice and qualifying sessions open to the public for free as part of Fan Friday, supporting Make-A-Wish Canada with donations upon entry.