Markham is gearing up for an electrifying weekend as it hosts the NTT IndyCar Series, along with various other motorsports series, for the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy event. While IndyCar has a history in Toronto since 1986, this marks the first time the race will be held outside the city on a brand-new track layout.
The upcoming event will feature a 3.52-kilometre, 12-turn course that winds through the Unionville GO station grounds, the York University Markham Campus, and the Markham Pan Am Centre. To help attendees reach the track, options include utilizing GO Transit, York Region Transit, or driving along Highway 407 with parking available west of the event grounds.
Metrolinx is enhancing Stouffville Line services by introducing extra trips from Union Station to Unionville GO in the mornings and afternoons on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Additionally, York Region Transit will offer increased service frequency, and shuttle services will operate between designated parking lots and the event location in Markham.
Residents in Markham have been coping with the effects of track construction, including limited parking at Unionville GO, revamped roads, and the installation of grandstands and retainer walls. Road closures are in place, affecting sections of Enterprise Boulevard, Kennedy Road, YMCA Boulevard, University Boulevard, and South Unionville Boulevard until Monday morning, with some roads staying closed until August 27 for post-event teardown.
The main highlight of the race weekend will be the IndyCar event on Sunday, with the green flag set to wave at 12:22 p.m. ET. All eyes will be on current points leader Alex Palou, a standout driver expected to dominate. Other contenders to watch include Pato O’Ward, Kyle Kirkwood, David Malukas, Christian Lundgaard, and Rinus Veekay.
Local talents like Anthony Martella and Chase Pelletier will also compete in support series races. The NASCAR Canada Series will make its debut in Markham, featuring drivers like Alex Tagliani, Sam Fellows, Marc-Antoine Camirand, and Jared Odrick.
Drivers have shared their thoughts on the new track layout in Markham, praising the smooth surface and the challenging elevation changes. Tickets for the event can be purchased for Saturday and Sunday, with practice and qualifying sessions on Friday being free to attend as part of Fan Friday, encouraging donations to Make-A-Wish Canada.
Don’t miss out on the thrilling racing action this weekend in Markham!