Markham: Track preparation problems delay practice at Ontario Honda Dealers Indy

By Liam Tremblay — 14 August 2026 — 3 min read

Inaugural Event Faces Delays

The inaugural Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham experienced a setback on its first day, as practice and qualifying sessions were cancelled due to an incomplete track. The event, which marks Markham’s first time hosting the IndyCar race, was unable to proceed as planned on Friday because officials could not conduct a final safety check. Organizers have indicated that they will attempt to incorporate the cancelled Friday sessions into Saturday’s schedule.

This year marks a significant change for the Canadian IndyCar event, as it moved from Toronto’s Exhibition Place, its home since 1986. The decision to relocate the race to Markham was announced last September by IndyCar and the City of Markham.

Track Construction and Safety Concerns

The temporary circuit in Markham, constructed for the first time this week, is situated between Kennedy Road, Enterprise Boulevard, the Unionville GO tracks, and Highway 407. Several features of the track remained incomplete, contributing to the cancellation of Friday’s activities. Among these were a pedestrian bridge over Enterprise Boulevard, intended to connect parking areas with the main spectator compound, and ports cut into safety fencing, which are necessary for marshals to wave hazard flags.

Mark Coburn, a race attendee from Kitchener, Ont., expressed a mixed reaction to the delays, acknowledging the importance of a safe track. He noted that while safety is paramount, it would have been beneficial for all checks to be completed prior to Friday to ensure a smooth start to the event. Coburn, along with Scott Stobo from Waterloo, Ont., has been attending the race for 20 years.

Stobo also commented on the new location, describing it as feeling “a little random” in an industrial park setting within the suburbs. He had hoped the event might move to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Clarington, Ont., instead. The lack of shade and seating options at the Markham venue, compared to Exhibition Place, also made the day challenging for fans under a temperature of 26 C, feeling like 31 C with humidity.

Community Impact and Financial Investment

Despite the track issues, other planned activities, such as autograph sessions with drivers, proceeded as scheduled. Fridays at Canada’s IndyCar race traditionally offer free admission, with spectators encouraged to donate to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Thousands of fans were present around the Markham track on Friday.

The event has received significant government investment. The Ontario government announced on July 27 an investment of $1.5 million into the event. Four days later, the federal government contributed $3.5 million. Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti confirmed on February 20 that the city’s capital spending for the race, primarily for one-time infrastructure upgrades like road repaving, had surpassed $12 million.

Qualifying for the IndyCar race is now scheduled for Saturday, with the main race set for Sunday afternoon. Other series, including the USF2000 Championship, USF Pro 2000, Radical Cup Canada, and NASCAR Canada Series, are also slated to race on the road course this weekend.

The first day of the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham was cancelled on Friday, August 14, 2026.

Source: toronto.citynews.ca