Ontario Construction News staff writer
Construction has begun on the festival site and temporary street circuit in Markham, as the city prepares to host the only NTT INDYCAR SERIES race in Canada, beginning in 2026. The race, previously held at Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto, will move to Markham Centre, the city’s dynamic downtown core, from Aug. 14–16.
Markham, adjacent to Toronto’s northeastern boundary in York Region, is home to more than 1.25 million residents and growing rapidly. The downtown core hosts numerous Canadian corporate headquarters, the York University Markham Campus, and the Markham Pan Am Centre, a key venue during the 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games.
“We are excited to welcome the exhilarating experience of INDYCAR SERIES racing hitting our streets in 2026,” said 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.
“I am extremely proud of our team at the City of Markham for bringing this initiative across the finish line in just a matter of months.”
The temporary track, designed by Tony Cotman of NZR Consulting, will run in the eastern precinct of downtown Markham between Kennedy Road, Enterprise Boulevard, Unionville GO tracks and Highway 407. The 12-turn, 3.52-kilometre (2.19-mile) circuit will feature dual pit lanes, long straightaways, and technically challenging sectors. Early works on the track and festival site are being co-ordinated with Metrolinx and other area partners.
The move from Exhibition Place was partly driven by the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will use BMO Field near Toronto’s fairgrounds, and the Toronto Argonauts’ schedule. Jeff Atkinson said future development plans at Exhibition Place also influenced the decision.
“Sport tourism is a major economic driver for our province, and I am thrilled that this iconic event will continue to call Ontario home,” said Ontario’s Minister of Sport, Neil Lumsden. “This event will continue to drive tourism, boost our economy, and strengthen Ontario’s reputation as a premier destination for world-class sporting events.”
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is North America’s premier open-wheel racing competition, featuring drivers competing at speeds of more than 370 kph (230 mph). Along with the world-famous Indianapolis 500, the series includes a mix of oval, temporary street circuit, and permanent road course races across North America. Penske Entertainment Corp. owns INDYCAR and praised Markham as a new venue.
“We could not be more pleased to see the rich history of NTT INDYCAR SERIES racing continue in Ontario,” said Mark Miles, president and CEO of Penske Entertainment. “Markham is a growing, diverse and dynamic city and will provide a terrific showcase for our exhilarating wheel-to-wheel racing.”
The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham is expected to draw more than 140,000 attendees over the three-day weekend.
Markham does not have 1.25 million residents. York Region does.