Huge change to annual event takes effect next month in southern Ontario

A huge change takes effect next month for an annual summer event in southern Ontario.

After nearly 40 years in Toronto, the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy will be making its debut in Markham.

The racing event will be happening from Friday, Aug. 14 to Sunday, Aug. 16.

The provincial government said in a press release that the event is expected to draw more than 150,000 attendees and generate “tens of millions in economic activity for the province through sport tourism, hospitality and event services.”

The province also announced that it’s investing $1.5 million to support the event.

“Bringing the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy to Markham represents an exciting new chapter for our event, and the investment from the provincial government is pivotal in making it a reality,” said Jeff Atkinson, president of the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham.

“This support not only allows us to deliver a world-class motorsport experience for fans, but also drives significant tourism, supports local businesses, and showcases Markham and the entire region on a global stage.”

The Grand Prix of Toronto is one of the oldest races on the IndyCar schedule, with the first race held in 1986. Exhibition Place, Toronto’s fairgrounds, had hosted the event since its inaugural race.

The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy was traditionally held in July, but as mentioned the 2026 Markham race will run in mid-August.

The new temporary track will be in the eastern precinct of Markham’s downtown, between Kennedy Road, Enterprise Boulevard, Unionville GO tracks and Highway 407.

Last year, the event welcomed more than 160,000 visitors and generated over $85 million for the province’s economy.

For more information, visit the Honda Dealers Indy website.

Lead image via X / @ontario_indy

— With files from The Canadian Press

And the track build commences.

Each block placed brings us closer to the inaugural race to Markham. #indyON | Brandt Tractors Ltd. pic.twitter.com/dFuNah8dlk

— Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham (@ontario_indy) July 22, 2026