The IndyCar Series is set to move its annual race from Toronto to Markham, Ontario, starting in 2026. The announcement was made on Wednesday, marking a significant change for the series, which has held the Grand Prix of Toronto since 1986. The event will now take place in downtown Markham from August 14 to August 16, 2026, under a multi-year agreement.

Jeff Atkinson, president of the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Markham, expressed enthusiasm about the move. "We looked all around Ontario from Niagara Falls all the way through to Oshawa to Ottawa, you name it, to host this wonderful event. It really all came back to Markham. The city was very excited, as were we, to host the event here," he said.

The race has been a staple of the IndyCar Series for nearly 40 years, held at Exhibition Place in Toronto. However, it faced cancellations in 2008, 2020, and 2021 due to various circumstances, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision to relocate was influenced by Toronto's hosting of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at BMO Field and ongoing changes at Exhibition Place, which made it impractical to continue the event there.

Atkinson noted that the organization wanted to establish a more stable foundation for the race. "We've been on one-year deals at Exhibition Place going into the 2025 race. Moving forward, we don't want to go just one year at a time. We want to build a foundation," he said. He also mentioned that attendance data indicated many fans would have an easier commute to Markham.

The new 3.52-kilometer circuit will feature 12 turns and will partially utilize the Unionville GO property, which will provide train service for fans during the race weekend. The track will also run past York University's Markham Campus and is designed to offer better sightlines for spectators. Atkinson highlighted the need for more space, stating, "We ran out of space at Exhibition Place and actually needed to add seats but we were unable to do so."

The race is expected to have a significant economic impact on the Markham community, estimated at $40 to $50 million. Atkinson emphasized the tourism potential, noting, "We have great restaurants here in Markham and a lot of hotel accommodations for fans."

Organizers are aware of potential challenges, such as traffic disruptions and noise, and plan to work closely with local residents and the city to address these concerns. Further details about support series, entertainment, and amenities for the event will be announced in the coming months.