Residents near downtown Markham’s new IndyCar circuit can expect construction noise and upcoming road detours as streets are converted for the Aug. 14–16 Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham, according to Markham Review.
Work is underway on the temporary course around the Markham Pan Am Centre and York University’s Markham campus. Most building materials have arrived, with concrete safety barriers, protective fencing and grandstands to be installed in the coming weeks.
During the race weekend, elevated noise levels comparable to an outdoor rock concert are expected between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern during practice sessions, qualifying and racing. Support races, track preparation and engine testing will also produce intermittent noise in the days before the event.
The City of Markham has begun early construction work alongside Metrolinx. Construction timelines, transit detours and event schedules are available through the city’s Track Map and Road Closures portal.
Circuit takes shape near Unionville GO
The 12-turn, 3.52-kilometre circuit occupies downtown’s eastern precinct, within an area bounded by Kennedy Road, Enterprise Boulevard, the Unionville GO tracks and Highway 407. Track designer Tony Cotman of Indianapolis-based NRC Consulting developed the layout.
The main grandstand, starting grid, finish line and a double-sided pit lane will be positioned beside Unionville GO Station. The city has also resurfaced local roads to meet pavement standards required by the FIA, the motorsport governing body.
Markham Ward 5 Councillor Andrew Keyes, who chairs Destination Markham, told Markham Review that both the FIA and IndyCar had to approve the circuit. Safety, the mix of turns and straight sections, and spectators’ views were among the considerations in selecting the site.
The preparations also include planning for more than 100,000 visitors. The city is working with local developers, and landowner Remington is making vacant land in the area available for spectator parking.
Keyes said parking, transportation, safety and moving spectators into and out of the event are key priorities for organizers.
Planning began in 2024
Discussions about bringing the race to Markham began in late December 2024, followed by nearly eight months of confidential talks before the agreement was announced, Keyes told Markham Review.
As part of the preparations, Keyes visited street-racing venues in St. Petersburg, Florida, and Detroit, as well as the Toronto Indy. He said assessing Markham’s suitability involved both the technical requirements of the course and the availability of hotels, facilities and sports infrastructure.
The August weekend will be the inaugural edition of the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham.
