The NTT INDYCAR SERIES will move its annual Canadian event from Toronto to Markham this weekend, bringing a 25-car field to a newly constructed downtown street circuit. The change gives Ontario spectators a new venue after an association with Toronto’s Exhibition Place dating to 1986.
The inaugural Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham will run from August 14 to 16, 2026, on a 12-turn, 2.19-mile course in the eastern part of Markham’s downtown district. Tony Cotman designed the circuit, which includes a double-sided pit lane, a hairpin at Turn 5 and a long run toward Turn 6.
A new home after Toronto
INDYCAR began racing at Exhibition Place in 1986. Markham, a city of approximately 350,000 people northeast of Toronto, now becomes the event’s host within a Greater Toronto region of more than 7 million residents.
The move follows Pato O’Ward’s victory at Toronto in 2025. Scott Dixon won four races at the venue, while Will Power and Josef Newgarden recorded two victories each. Christian Lundgaard also won once in Toronto.
Markham is the first of two new circuits remaining on the 2026 series schedule. The field is due to compete on another new street course the following week at the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C.
When to watch
According to INDYCAR’s published U.S. broadcast schedule, the Markham weekend begins with opening practice at 3 p.m. ET Friday on FS2.
A second practice starts at 10 a.m. Saturday on FS2, followed by qualifying for the NTT P1 Award at 2:25 p.m. on FS1. FOX One and INDYCAR Radio powered by OnlyBulls will also carry both Saturday sessions.
Sunday’s warmup begins at 8:30 a.m. ET, before the 90-lap race broadcast starts at noon on FOX, FOX One and INDYCAR Radio powered by OnlyBulls.
Canadian viewers should check TSN’s current schedule for television or streaming availability because INDYCAR lists TSN as its Canadian broadcast partner.
Championship leaders enter with strong street records
Markham will be the fifth street race of the season. Championship leader Alex Palou won three of the first four, taking victories at St. Petersburg, Long Beach and Detroit. He finished second behind Andretti Global driver Kyle Kirkwood at the inaugural Arlington event.
Kirkwood finished fourth, fourth and second in the season’s other three street races.
After 13 races, Palou leads Kirkwood by 110 points and has a series-best six victories this season. Palou has also won the past three series championships.