Transformation of Markham’s downtown streets to IndyCar racetrack in full gear
By Gene Pereira, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Markham is officially trading its quiet downtown hum for the high-octane roar of IndyCar engines.
From August 14 to 16, the city will play host to the inaugural Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham—the largest sporting event ever to hit York Region.
Transforming a thriving, corporate downtown into a world-class motorsport arena is a massive logistical puzzle. Behind the scenes, organizers have been working for months to ensure the pop-up speedway meets strict international standards while delivering an unforgettable experience for fans.
For those spearheading the project, bringing the Indy to Markham has been a long-term labour of love. Discussions actually began in late December 2024.
“Almost eight months of behind-the-scenes, confidential conversations took place before we were able to say we had a deal and were able to announce it,” says Andrew Keyes, Markham Ward 5 Councillor and Chair of Destination Markham, who has been deeply involved since discussions began. “From Day 1, IndyCar liked the location, and we liked the relationship. We got along great. It has been a lot of work. Staff, everyone has been working hard to get it right.”
To prepare for the massive undertaking, Keyes was invited to watch the season-opening street race in St. Petersburg, Florida, and visited the street circuit at the Detroit Grand Prix, as well as the long-running Toronto Indy. While St. Petersburg set a high bar with its coastal backdrop, Keyes notes that Markham brings its own unique charm.
“We don’t have the palm trees and the Gulf of Mexico on our doorstep,” he admits, “but for our track and facilities, we have Main Street Unionville, which is really nice and just down the road as well.”
Designing a temporary circuit is about much more than just drawing a line on a map.
“I learned a whole lot—not just from a technical perspective,” said Keyes. “It wasn’t just, ‘Do we have the facilities, the hotels, and the sports infrastructure needed?’ The technical piece was, ‘Do we have the locations suitable to hold a race of this calibre?’ That involves the governing body, the FIA. They had to approve it, and IndyCar had to approve the track layout.”
Renowned track designer Tony Cotman of NRC Consulting (based out of Indianapolis, Indiana) was brought in to design the 12-turn, 3.52-kilometre (2.19-mile) circuit. Cotman’s layout is carved directly out of Markham’s eastern downtown precinct, bounded by Kennedy Road, Enterprise Boulevard, the Unionville GO tracks, and Highway 407.
According to Keyes, every detail of the track was scrutinized.
“It’s not just the length and shape, it’s safety,” he explains. “Will it deliver on so many technical elements, and then also be an interesting racetrack? The number of curves, the number of straightaways, and the viewing angles for the fans. All those things were factored in when the site was chosen.”
As a major bonus, the track loops right around the Markham Pan Am Centre and the York University Markham campus.
Now, the physical transformation is officially underway. Most of the building materials have already been delivered to the site. Over the coming weeks, the entire track will be lined by heavy concrete safety walls and protective fencing.
The main grandstand, the starting grid, the finish line, and a highly unique, double-sided pit lane will be assembled right by the Unionville GO Station, making transit access incredibly convenient for incoming spectators. The city has also invested heavily in resurfacing local roads to meet the rigorous, high-quality pavement standards demanded by the FIA.
To solve the puzzle of hosting over 100,000 visitors, the city is partnering with local developers. Landowner Remington is cooperating with the event to provide vacant land in the area for spectator parking.
“Really, it’s an excellent location,” Keyes says. “Technically, we can’t wait to see what the drivers think, because the drivers are important in terms of how the track performs… we’re really focused on parking, transportation, getting fans in and out easily, and obviously safety.”
While Toronto has hosted street racing for decades, Keyes believes Markham is poised to step out of its neighbour’s shadow. “This is going to be better than Toronto as far as the fan experience, the viewing angle, and access,” says the Markham councillor. “I say that now. Of course, I’m crossing my fingers!”
For spectators trackside, the experience promises to be visceral.
“It’s all the senses,” Keyes says. “It’s smell. You can smell it between the rubber and the ethanol, and certainly the visual. It goes to all the senses. Then there’s food and all the other stuff that goes with a major event.”
A street race of this scale inevitably brings changes to the neighborhood. The City of Markham has begun early works alongside regional transit partner Metrolinx. Grandstands will soon be rising, and residents should expect increased localized construction noise and upcoming road detours.
During the race weekend itself (August 14 to 16), the “IndyCar roar” will be fully unleashed. Elevated noise levels—comparable to an outdoor rock concert—are expected between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. during practices, qualifying, and race day. Intermittent noise from support races, track prep, and engine tests will also occur in the days leading up to the green flag.
For full construction timelines, local transit detours, and event schedules, visit the City of Markham’s Track Map and Road Closures portal.
* Photo: The Honda Indy 2026 track loops right around the Markham Pan Am Centre and the York University Markham campus. The physical transformation is officially underway. Most of the building materials have already been delivered to the site. Over the coming weeks, the entire track will be lined by heavy concrete safety walls and protective fencing. (Andrew Keyes photo)