The debut of the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham encountered a setback right at the start line. The opening day of practice and qualifying for Canada’s sole IndyCar event had to be called off on Friday due to the unfinished track, preventing officials from conducting essential safety checks. The event organizers announced plans to compress all the missed track sessions from the first day into the schedule for Saturday.
This year marks the first time that Markham is hosting the event, which was relocated from Toronto’s Exhibition Place, its home since its inception in 1986. J. Douglas Boles, the president of IndyCar, expressed disappointment at the delayed track completion, despite substantial assistance provided by the on-site team. Boles acknowledged the strong fan presence at the event, emphasizing the challenges that new events can bring and extending apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Long-time race attendees Mark Coburn of Kitchener, Ont., and Scott Stobo of Waterloo, Ont., shared their mixed feelings about the postponement of practice and qualifying sessions. Coburn acknowledged the importance of prioritizing safety for a smooth event, highlighting the disappointment of the lack of on-track action that appeals to fans and newcomers.
The decision to move the event from downtown Toronto to Markham was jointly announced by IndyCar and the City of Markham in September. The newly constructed temporary circuit, situated between Kennedy Road, Enterprise Boulevard, the Unionville GO tracks, and Highway 407, faced challenges such as an incomplete pedestrian bridge and safety fencing features.
The Ontario government’s investment of $1.5 million in the event, along with the federal government’s contribution of $3.5 million, underscored the significant financial support behind the race. Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti confirmed substantial capital spending exceeding $12 million for infrastructure upgrades to facilitate the event.
While Friday attendance was free, with donations encouraged for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the sunny weather drew thousands of fans to the track. Stobo noted the lack of shade and seating compared to the previous venue at Exhibition Place, making the outdoor experience more challenging.
Off-track activities, including driver autograph sessions, proceeded as planned on Friday. Saturday’s schedule will be packed with IndyCar practice sessions and the qualifying round, promising a thrilling road course knockout format in the evening. Boles expressed confidence in the circuit’s potential for delivering an exciting race and thanked the city of Markham for its significant contributions.
In addition to the IndyCar races, other series like USF2000 Championship, USF Pro 2000, Radical Cup Canada, and NASCAR Canada Series will also feature races on the road course over the weekend. Despite the event’s challenges, Stobo indicated that he and others may not return for future editions.