If you were wondering why July felt a lot quieter downtown than usual this summer, this might be why.
For nearly four decades, the Honda Indy was an iconic mid-summer staple along Toronto’s Exhibition Place grounds. Now, the beloved motorsports festival is making history as it moves north to Markham for the very first time, bringing an adrenaline-pumping experience to a completely fresh venue.
Transformed into a high-octane raceway, the new 3.52-kilometre, 12-turn temporary street circuit winds right past the Markham Pan Am Centre and the new York University Markham Campus. Spectators can gather around the course to watch world-class drivers navigate the brand-new layout at blistering speeds.
The festival kicks off on Friday, August 14, with the fan-favourite Free Fan Friday. Attendees can explore the grounds, catch practice laps, and snap photos during driver autograph sessions. While admission is free for the opening day, guests are encouraged to make a voluntary donation to Make-A-Wish Canada.
The weekend continues with action-packed qualifying sessions, live music, and additional racing events before culminating in Sunday’s main feature event. Catering to motorsport lovers and families alike, the venue offers immersive trackside views, food vendors, and entertainment for all ages.
The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham runs from August 14 to 16, with the main race scheduled to start at 12:22 p.m. on Sunday. You can find ticket details, full race schedules, and transit advice on the official Honda Indy website.
