The debut Ontario Honda Dealers Indy event in Markham faced a setback during its start. The practice and qualifying sessions for the only IndyCar race in Canada were called off on Friday due to the unfinished track, preventing officials from conducting a safety check. Organizers plan to accommodate the missed sessions on Saturday’s schedule.
Markham hosted the event for the first time this year, relocating from Toronto’s Exhibition Place where it had been held since its inception in 1986. IndyCar president J. Douglas Boles expressed disappointment regarding the delay, emphasizing the importance of safety and acknowledging the loyal fans’ frustration.
Longtime race attendees from Kitchener and Waterloo, Mark Coburn and Scott Stobo, shared mixed feelings about the delay, recognizing the priority of ensuring a safe track while lamenting the missed on-track action that draws fans.
The event’s move from downtown Toronto to Markham was announced last September, with the new circuit covering areas between Kennedy Road, Enterprise Boulevard, Unionville GO tracks, and Highway 407. Notable incomplete features included a pedestrian bridge and safety fencing modifications for marshals.
The Ontario government and the federal government made significant investments in the event, with Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti confirming substantial capital spending for infrastructure upgrades. Spectators enjoyed free admission on Fridays, with donations encouraged for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The high attendance under hot weather conditions highlighted the need for more shaded areas and seating options compared to the previous venue at Exhibition Place.
Off-track activities proceeded as scheduled, with Saturday’s agenda packed with practice sessions and qualifying rounds. Boles expressed optimism about the circuit’s potential and thanked Markham for its support in providing a challenging layout for the race.
In addition to IndyCar, other racing series like USF2000 Championship, USF Pro 2000, Radical Cup Canada, and NASCAR Canada Series are set to run races on the road course over the weekend. Despite the challenges, fans showed enthusiasm for the event, anticipating an exciting showcase of motorsport.