By: Ashley McCubbin

TORONTO, Ontario — The Ontario Honda Indy has been a staple right in the heart of the city of Toronto for a number of years, dating back to 1986 on the streets of Exhibition Place. So when it was announced to be moving for the 2026 schedule, it certainly caught a lot of fans off-guard with the announcement.

Fast forward a couple months since then, and the excitement has not died down one bit that Markham will be hosting the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy for the next five years. The race will be later than fans are used to on the schedule, with the event taking place August 14 through 16.

“I will say when they came and told us about the opportunity we locked the door and didn’t let them out till we furthered the discussion,” Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti told News From The Pits. “So I think it is our enthusiasm and when these opportunities present themselves to kind of act more business-like and in an expeditious manner. We asked all the right questions; we were I’ll say good negotiators. We asked them things that no other city I think asked for and so again but it was good. Right away they saw you know sort of the value the quality of having a partner like us.

“Then I will also say location wise as I indicated in the presentation 71% of the Indy attendees will have an easier commute to this location than the previous one and then most multicultural city in Canada. The culinary experience is second to none; we have incredible restaurants that reflect almost every corner of the world.”

While Scarpitti noted it took a lot of work and negotiations, they did not take as long as others have in the past, with discussions beginning in January 2025 with a signed agreement in place by July. Markham’s past knowledge of hosting events like World Aquatic Swimming Cup, Junior Badminton Championship and 2015 PanAm Games certainly helped in being able to deliver what was necessary.

“That tells you just how the city of Markham operate,” he commented. “We’re very nimble we’re very entrepreneurial and you know as I indicated to Penske and to Green Savoree, there’s very few cities, very few private corporations actually that could start in January discussion and have a signed agreement by July so I’m very proud of that. Since that time, our staff have been working diligently.”

Since then, the staff in the city of Markham have been busy putting forth the construction needed for the track, including widening one of the roads and getting a base coat of asphalt down. They are predicting to have the necessary work completed by the spring.

“Then really it’s that top code of asphalt,” Scarpitti added. “Our roads are in great condition in the city of Markham but for some reason these cars, these drivers want it to be it’s a higher grade of asphalt so that’s what we’ll be laying on top.”

The 3.52-kilometre (2.19-mile) temporary street circuit will feature a series of technical challenges throughout the 12 turn layout, and be one of just two tracks on the schedule to feature a double pit lane layout.

The surrounding area also presents itself to make for a memorable weekend for fans, whether it is on the property or surrounding areas. Both Scarpitti and Jeff Atkinson of Green Savaoree indicated expanding on the fan experience at the track throughout the weekend, with discussions including the possibility of concerts and fireworks to build on the festival side of the event.

“There are historic main streets like honestly I think what we have two of the most beautiful main streets in Ontario,” Scarpitti commented. “We’ve reinvested in those a number of years ago on Markham main street and actually Unionville main street which is just north of this race site, like literally 10 minute walk, just got a major revamp. We will put the finishing touches on in the spring so they’ll be ready to welcome the Indy visitors.”