Markham is gearing up for a thrilling weekend as it hosts the NTT IndyCar Series, along with other motorsport series, for the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy event. While IndyCar has a history in Toronto since 1986, this event marks the first race outside the city on a brand-new track layout.
The 3.52-kilometre, 12-turn course will wind through the vicinity of the Unionville GO station, along with racing sections around the York University Markham Campus and the Markham Pan Am Centre.
To reach the track, attendees are advised to utilize GO Transit, York Region Transit, or take Highway 407. Parking will be accessible west of the event premises. Metrolinx is enhancing Stouffville Line services to facilitate transportation to and from the venue.
Extra trips have been added to the Union Station to Unionville GO route on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings, with corresponding trips in the afternoons and evenings. Increased York Region Transit services and shuttle services from designated parking lots to the event location are also provided.
Residents of Markham have been coping with construction impacts in preparation for the event, including altered parking availability at Unionville GO, road repaving, and the installation of grandstands and retainer walls. Several roads, including parts of Enterprise Boulevard, Kennedy Road, YMCA Boulevard, University Boulevard, and South Unionville Boulevard, will be closed until Monday at 6 a.m., with some closures persisting until August 27 for track dismantling.
The highlight of the event will be the IndyCar race on Sunday, with the green flag set for 12:22 p.m. ET. Frontrunner Alex Palou, the current points leader, is anticipated to shine. Palou, a four-time series champion, has an impressive track record and is favored to win. Other contenders to watch include Pato O’Ward, Kyle Kirkwood, David Malukas, Christian Lundgaard, and Rinus Veekay.
Local talents like Anthony Martella and Chase Pelletier will participate in support series races. Additionally, the NASCAR Canada Series will debut in Markham, featuring renowned racers like Alex Tagliani and Marc-Antoine Camirand.
Drivers are adjusting to the new Markham track layout, which offers a smooth surface on newly paved roads. Notable features include elevation changes and tight sections, providing an exciting challenge for participants. Tickets for the event can be purchased for Saturday and Sunday, while Friday’s practice and qualifying sessions are open to the public for free during Fan Friday, with donations encouraged for Make-A-Wish Canada.