Toronto Indy Race Moving to Markham for 2026
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A nearly 40-year tradition is coming to an end in 2026, as the Ontario leg of the NTT Indycar Series will move from its longtime home in downtown Toronto just a few kilometers north to Markham, Ontario.
The series announced the change today, adding that the race will officially be named the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham next year, and will run from August 14-16. The series did not elaborate on why the race is moving away from its historic home at Exhibition Place near Toronto's waterfront, but did say that its new location will be accessible by several highways and transit routes, making it easy for fans to attend.
Specifically, the race will be held on a temporary street circuit designed by Tony Cotman of NZR Consulting. It will be located between Kennedy Road, Enterprise Boulevard, the Unionville GO train tracks, and highway 407. Drivers will have to contend with 12 turns while rounding the 3.52 km track.
The event is expected to welcome over 140,000 attendees over the course of three days. In that time, it is expected to draw tens of millions of dollars in economic activity to the area.
“We are proud to welcome this world-class event to our community, said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Markham is ready to build on its strong sports legacy and offer a new home where this celebrated summer tradition can thrive.”
While the move will doubtless welcome new excitements, some fans may be disappointed to learn that the event is moving away from its original location on the grounds of Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto. The venue has hosted the race since it was inaugurated in 1986. Indeed, this could be the end of an era for the location, which has hosted automotive demonstration events for more than century.
However, the race's new home is not without its own racing heritage, as former Indycar driver and Markham native James Hinchcliffe notes.
“Markham was my first home and where my racing dreams took root,” said Hinchcliffe. “Ontario has some incredibly passionate open-wheel racing fans and I can’t wait to see them lining the streets for an epic event.”
