After nearly four decades at Toronto’s Exhibition Place, the iconic Honda Indy Toronto is officially relocating out of the downtown core as of summer 2026.
The annual sporting event has historically has taken place every July since its start in 1986, bringing a 2.84 km race course with 11 turns to the city streets, attracting racing fans from across the country and beyond.
However, organizers have just announced the race will take place in Markham just north of the city, with a brand-new five-year deal. The first race at the new location is set for Friday, August 14 to Sunday, August 16, 2026, marking a new era for the event.
The new street circuit will be 3.52 kilometres long with 12 turns and a split pit road, making it longer and more spacious than Toronto’s track. Part of the course will run through the Unionville GO property and past York University’s Markham Campus, giving fans multiple vantage points to watch the action.
Organizers also say the upgraded layout provides better seating capacity and improved sightlines compared to Exhibition Place. Attendance is expected to reach 150,000 spectators over the three-day event, supported by nearby hotels, restaurants, and public transit options.
Part of the reason for the move includes the upcoming hosting of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at BMO Field, considering upcoming construction and ongoing changes happening at Exhibition Place in preparation for the event.
Frank Scarpitti, the mayor of Markham, calls the move a “transformational opportunity” that cements the city’s reputation as a hub for international sporting events.
“The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy will transform the streets into a racing crucible, testing the limits of some of the world’s fastest drivers,” he said.
With downtown Toronto’s traffic as bad as it already is, many commenters are calling the move “much-needed”, especially with conditions expected to worsen leading up to the FIFA World Cup.