Markham is gearing up for a thrilling weekend as it hosts the NTT IndyCar Series, along with other motorsports events, for the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy. This marks the first time the race will be held outside of Toronto, featuring a brand-new track layout spanning 3.52 kilometers with 12 turns.
To reach the track, attendees are encouraged to utilize GO Transit, York Region Transit, or drive to the event via Highway 407. Parking will be available west of the event grounds. Metrolinx is enhancing Stouffville Line services to facilitate travel to and from the track.
Additional GO Transit trips have been scheduled from Union Station to Unionville GO on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings, with return trips in the afternoons and evenings. There will also be extra trips from Burlington GO to Union Station on the weekend mornings for those connecting from Lakeshore West to the Stouffville Line. Enhanced York Region Transit services and shuttle services from parking lots to the event site in Markham are also in place.
Residents of Markham have been coping with track construction impacts, including limited parking spaces at Unionville GO, road repaving, grandstand installations, and road closures. Several roads such as Enterprise Boulevard, Kennedy Road, YMCA Boulevard, University Boulevard, and South Unionville Boulevard will be closed until Monday at 6 a.m., with some closures extending until August 27 for track dismantling.
IndyCar enthusiasts can look forward to the main race on Sunday, with the green flag set for 12:22 p.m. ET. Spaniard Alex Palou, the current points leader, is a top contender for victory. Other drivers to watch include Pato O’Ward, Kyle Kirkwood, David Malukas, Christian Lundgaard, and Rinus Veekay. Local talent like Anthony Martella and Chase Pelletier will also be competing in support series races.
The drivers are praising the new track layout in Markham, highlighting its smooth surface and unique features. Tickets for Saturday and Sunday are available on the event website, with Friday’s practice and qualifying sessions being free for attendees on Fan Friday, who are encouraged to make a donation to Make-A-Wish Canada.