The first-ever Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham experienced a setback at the starting line. Practice and qualifying for the sole IndyCar event in Canada were called off on Friday due to incomplete track construction, leading to a delay in safety checks. Organizers announced plans to accommodate the missed track sessions on Saturday’s schedule.
Markham is hosting the event for the first time this year, following its relocation from Toronto’s Exhibition Place, where it had been held since its inception in 1986. IndyCar president J. Douglas Boles expressed disappointment over the delay in track completion despite extensive support from the on-site team. The event drew a significant number of spectators, showcasing Ontario’s strong interest in motorsports.
Longtime race attendees Mark Coburn and Scott Stobo, from Kitchener and Waterloo respectively, shared mixed feelings about the postponement of practice and qualifying sessions. Coburn emphasized the importance of ensuring a safe track for all participants and spectators, highlighting the significance of thorough safety checks beforehand.
The move from downtown Toronto to Markham was announced by IndyCar and the City of Markham in September. The temporary circuit, assembled for the first time, spans between Kennedy Road, Enterprise Boulevard, the Unionville GO tracks, and Highway 407. Incomplete features included a pedestrian bridge over Enterprise Boulevard and safety fencing modifications for marshals.
Despite initial concerns about the location choice, with Stobo mentioning Canadian Tire Motorsport Park as a preferable alternative, significant investments were made by the Ontario and federal governments, as well as the city of Markham, to support the event. The total spending on infrastructure upgrades for the race exceeded $12 million.
The event offered free admission on Fridays, encouraging donations to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The warm weather attracted thousands of fans to the track, although some noted the lack of shade and seating options compared to the previous venue at Exhibition Place.
Off-track activities, including driver autograph sessions, proceeded as planned on Friday. Saturday’s schedule includes a full day of practice and qualifying rounds, with expectations of an exciting race on Sunday. Additional races by USF2000 Championship, USF Pro 2000, Radical Cup Canada, and NASCAR Canada Series are also scheduled for the weekend.
Stobo hinted that they might not return for future events, expressing satisfaction with their experience at this year’s Indy at Markham.