TORONTO, August 10, 2026 – Markham has officially entered “Indy week.” At noon on August 10, the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham kickoff event was held in Markham Centre, with opening remarks and the raising of the Indy event flag to build momentum for this weekend’s major street racing event. The official race weekend will take place from August 14 to 16, marking the first time the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy has come to Markham.
According to the City, the August 10 kickoff event ran from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with the opening ceremony beginning at 12:15 p.m. The event featured racing simulators, music performances and community activities. Markham-born driver Demi Chalkias and young driver Anthony Martella also took part in the launch of race week.
The biggest change this year is that the race venue has moved from its traditional Toronto setting to the rapidly developing Markham Centre. The City of Markham, event promoter Green Savoree Toronto ULC and INDYCAR previously signed a multi-year agreement under which Markham will host the event for five consecutive years starting in 2026. The new temporary street circuit is located between Kennedy Road, Enterprise Boulevard, the Unionville GO rail corridor and Highway 407. It is 3.52 kilometres long and includes 12 turns.
On-track activity will begin on Friday. August 14 will feature the first INDYCAR practice session, as well as NASCAR Canada and other series events. INDYCAR qualifying is scheduled for August 15 from 2:25 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, August 16, will be the main race day. Driver introductions will begin at 11:30 a.m., and the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham is scheduled to start at 12:22 p.m., with drivers completing 90 laps.
For residents who want to experience the atmosphere but are not ready to buy weekend tickets, August 14 offers another option. Organizers have designated Friday as “Free Fan Friday,” with general admission available at no cost. Attendees are also encouraged to make voluntary donations to Make-A-Wish Canada.
The Ontario government expects the three-day event to attract more than 150,000 people and generate more than $85 million in local economic activity. The province has provided $1.5 million to support this year’s event. The federal government has also provided $3.5 million to the City of Markham through FedDev Ontario for infrastructure improvements related to roads, the race circuit, transportation facilities and large-event hosting capacity.
However, for Markham residents who are not attending the race, the most immediate impact this week may be traffic.
As final track construction continues, sections of Enterprise Boulevard and University Boulevard have already been fully closed. Starting at 9 p.m. on August 10, YMCA Boulevard is expected to remain closed until 6 a.m. on August 17. Kennedy Road will also be affected overnight from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. on August 10 and 11.
Larger race-related road closures will begin at 9 p.m. on August 12 and continue until 6 a.m. on August 18. Affected roads include sections of Main Street Unionville, Unionville Gate, South Unionville Avenue, Enterprise Boulevard, University Boulevard, YMCA Boulevard, and Kennedy Road from south of Highway 7 to south of Highway 407. Some Highway 407 ramps will also be affected. The City advises residents to avoid unnecessary driving near the race circuit during the event.
Unionville GO will also see major changes. Starting August 9, Parking Lots 1 and 2 at the station have already been closed. Beginning at 8 p.m. on August 12, the station parking lot, passenger pick-up and drop-off area, and bus loop will be temporarily unavailable. However, GO trains will continue to operate normally from August 14 to 16. From August 12 to 17, GO buses will move to a temporary stop near Birchmount Road and Enterprise Boulevard.
The City also reminds residents that, during the daytime from August 14 to 16, race noise may reach levels similar to a rock concert. Nearby residents and people who are sensitive to noise may want to prepare in advance.
From today’s race week kickoff to Sunday’s 90-lap main event, Markham is preparing for one of its largest sporting events in recent years. For local residents, the race on the track is only one part of the week. Road closures, GO station access changes and nearby traffic impacts are also worth watching closely.（LJI by Yuanyuan）
