Markham gearing up to host IndyCar race Aug. 14-16 with 150,000 expected visitors

Markham is ready to welcome upwards of 150,000 racing fans when it hosts the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy for the first time, Friday, August 14 to Sunday, August 16. The race—previously held in Toronto on the grounds of Exhibition Place for nearly 40 years—will wind through city streets for the first time in the NTT IndyCar Series' history.

The 3.52-kilometre, 12-turn course will run partially on the grounds of the Unionville GO station, around the York University Markham Campus, and through the Markham Pan Am Centre area. City of Markham spokesperson Cindy Watson said the city has completed all construction activities it is responsible for, "including pit lanes, access road widening and road resurfacing." Race promoters began erecting grandstand seating this week, with further track construction underway.

"In the city of Markham, we think big and we act big," Mayor Frank Scarpitti said. "No doubt Markham is going to be on the international stage. It's a moment for us to shine."

Organizers announced the five-year deal to bring the race to Markham last September. Jeff Atkinson, president of the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham, called the working relationship with the city "probably been the closest municipal relationship I've ever experienced in my 20-year plus career."

The three-day event is free to attend on Friday. Hotel occupancy rates in northeast GTA areas are trending at about 60 per cent, according to the Greater Toronto Hotels Association, with bookings expected to strengthen closer to race weekend. Sara Anghel, president and CEO of the GTHA, said people are making travel decisions later than in past years, but hotels expect to approach full occupancy during the Indy.