Markham is gearing up for a weekend of high-octane excitement with the NTT IndyCar Series making its way to the city for the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy event. While IndyCar has a history of racing in Toronto, this marks the first time the event will take place outside the city on a brand-new track layout.
The 3.52-kilometre, 12-turn course will wind through various locations, including the Unionville GO station grounds, York University Markham Campus, and the Markham Pan Am Centre. To help attendees reach the track, utilizing GO Transit, York Region Transit, or driving via Highway 407 is recommended, with parking available west of the event grounds.
In preparation for the event, Metrolinx is enhancing service on the Stouffville Line, offering additional trips to and from the track. Moreover, increased York Region Transit service and shuttle services from parking lots to the event grounds in Markham are being provided.
Local residents have been enduring road closures and construction due to the track setup. Several roads in Markham Centre, including parts of Enterprise Boulevard, Kennedy Road, YMCA Boulevard, University Boulevard, and South Unionville Boulevard, will be closed until Monday morning, with some closures extending until August 27 for track dismantling.
The main event on Sunday will feature the IndyCar race, with Spaniard Alex Palou leading the pack and favored to win. Noteworthy competitors include Mexico’s Pato O’Ward, Americans Kyle Kirkwood and David Malukas, Denmark’s Christian Lundgaard, and Dutchman Rinus Veekay.
Various support races will also take place, featuring local talents like Anthony Martella from Vaughan and Toronto’s Chase Pelletier. The NASCAR Canada Series will debut in Markham, showcasing notable racers such as Alex Tagliani, Sam Fellows, Marc-Antoine Camirand, and Jared Odrick.
Drivers have noted the unique challenges of the Markham track, with its smooth surface and unfamiliar layout compared to Toronto’s bumpy roads. Ticket information for the event can be found on the official website, with Friday’s practice and qualifying sessions offered for free as part of Fan Friday, encouraging donations to Make-A-Wish Canada upon entry.