Markham hosts IndyCar race for the first time this weekend with 150,000 expected
The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy arrives Friday to August 14–16, marking the first time the NTT IndyCar Series races on Markham streets after nearly 40 years at Exhibition Place in Toronto.
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Markham is hosting the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy for the first time this weekend, August 14–16, in what marks a historic shift for the NTT IndyCar Series after nearly four decades at Toronto's Exhibition Place.
Organizers are expecting upwards of 150,000 racing fans to descend on Markham Centre as the race winds through city streets for the first time in the series' history. The event will bring temporary road closures and overnight construction throughout the municipality, along with race-day noise.
As HighOnCity reported in July, the city has been preparing residents and local businesses for the influx, with CF Markville hosting racing simulators and meet-and-greet opportunities with professional drivers ahead of the race. The event represents a significant economic opportunity for the region, though the source does not specify the city's budget or municipal investment in hosting the inaugural race.
Residents and visitors should expect traffic disruptions and parking challenges throughout Markham Centre during the race weekend. The source does not detail specific road closures or provide alternate route information.
What is the total budget or municipal investment Markham has committed to hosting the race?
Which specific streets will be closed during the race weekend, and what alternate routes are recommended?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
At a glance
When is the IndyCar race happening in Markham?
The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy takes place August 14–16, 2026 in Markham Centre.
How many spectators are expected?
Organizers are expecting upwards of 150,000 racing fans to attend the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy in Markham.
Where was this race held before Markham?
The NTT IndyCar Series raced at Toronto's Exhibition Place for nearly four decades before moving to Markham.
