Ontario Honda Dealer’s INDY Will Relocate to New City Of Markham In 2026

In a move that has the motorsports world buzzing, the iconic Toronto Indy is packing its bags and heading northeast. Say goodbye to the familiar streets of Toronto and hello to… Markham? That’s right.

Let’s be honest, when you think of high-octane, wheel-to-wheel racing, Markham probably isn’t the first place that pops into your head. It’s a city known more for its tech companies and suburban charm than for screaming engines and hairpin turns. But hold your judgment, because this isn’t some half-baked idea. This is a calculated, multi-year deal that promises to inject a serious dose of adrenaline into York Region.

A New Chapter For the Ontario Indy

After nearly four decades of tearing up the pavement at Exhibition Place, the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy is relocating to the city of Markham starting in 2026. So, why the big move? The official line from the powers that be—Green Savoree Toronto, the City of Markham, and INDYCAR—is all about growth, opportunity, and a fresh start. And to be fair, they might have a point.

Enter Markham, a city bursting at the seams with a population of over 1.25 million in the surrounding York Region. The new street circuit is planned for the city’s downtown core, a shiny, modern hub that’s home to corporate headquarters and a university campus. The organizers are painting a picture of a massive three-day festival, expecting to draw over 140,000 fans and pump tens of millions into the local economy. It’s an ambitious vision, and you have to give them credit for thinking big.

What Does This Mean for the Fans?

For the die-hard fans who have made the annual pilgrimage to Toronto, this news might sting a little. The Toronto race was a tradition, a right of passage for Canadian motorsport enthusiasts. Legends like Scott Dixon, Michael Andretti, and Dario Franchitti have all conquered the Toronto streets. Leaving that history behind feels like a gut punch.

But let’s try to see the glass as half full. The proposed 2.19-mile, 12-turn track, designed by the renowned Tony Cotman, sounds genuinely thrilling. Maybe, just maybe, this new venue will offer better sightlines, a more engaging fan experience, and a much-needed change of scenery.

Can Markham Handle the Heat?

The big question remains: Is Markham ready for this? Markham’s Mayor, Frank Scarpitti, seems confident, boasting that his team pulled this deal together in just a few months. That kind of speed is either incredibly impressive or slightly terrifying. Let’s hope it’s the former. He’s promising a “world-class event,” and for the sake of the fans and the sport, we have to hope he delivers. There’s a hometown connection, too. INDYCAR commentator James Hinchcliffe was born in Markham, and he’s thrilled, calling it “extra special.” It’s a nice narrative, but it will take more than a feel-good story to make this event a success.

Ultimately, the move of the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy to Markham is a bold, risky play. It could be a brilliant masterstroke that revitalizes the event and introduces a new generation of fans to the thrill of INDYCAR. Or, it could be a cautionary tale about abandoning tradition for the promise of something new. For now, all we can do is wait and see. The engines won’t fire up in Markham until August 2026, which gives the city plenty of time to prove the doubters wrong. Let’s hope they do.