IndyCar’s Grand Prix Of Markham Practice Delayed By Track Build Issues

The IndyCar Grand Prix of Markham, Ontario, experienced significant delays as track construction remained incomplete, pushing Practice 1 from 3:05 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET. Eager fans filled grandstands early, witnessing only construction efforts. The hold-up involves finalizing fencing and barriers for the 2.19-mile street course, awaiting FIA certification. Despite the setback, drivers like Scott Dixon, Alex Palou, and Will Power expressed high praise for the newly repaved, smooth track surface and layout, anticipating an excellent race. Championship leader Alex Palou is among those optimistic about the course. Organizers are working to complete this crucial international event on the 2026 IndyCar Series schedule.

The excitement was high for the Toronto suburb of Markham, Ontario as fans came out early and filled the grandstands around the 12-turn, 2.19-mile street course – site of IndyCar’s Ontario Honda Dealers Grand Prix of Markham.

Unfortunately, for the next nine hours, the only action they saw were construction vehicles attempting to complete the building of the race course.

Because of ongoing delays completing the track build, the NTT IndyCar Series Practice 1 on Friday has been rescheduled from 3:05 p.m. Eastern Time to 6 p.m. ET.

Areas of the hairpin are being completed including fencing and barriers and are expected to be finished soon. After that, it needs to be certified by an FIA representative on site.

The track build for the 2.19-mile, 12-turn street course race in Markham, Ontario began on July 19. The course is on the site of a GO Train station, which is still in use but the parking lots are the location of the double pit lane being used by IndyCar. The parking lots closest to the pit lane were fully turned over to race promoters Green Savoree Promotions at end of day on Wednesday, August 12.

There are no major issues with the course, it just has to be finalized, which is what race promoters and IndyCar were attempting to be completed on Friday, according to race officials.

The actual track surface drew high praise from drivers in the IndyCar Series as it was recently repaved and will provide a smooth surface. The grandstands are immaculate and were filled with loyal and enthusiastic fans as early as 9 a.m. ET.

“I think honestly the track looks fantastic,” six-time NTT IndyCar Series Champion Scott Dixon of Chip Ganassi Racing said. “It looks really cool. It looks like just most of the other street stuff, but yeah, this is typically expected.

“I think for a first-time event, the surface looks really good. Track layout looks really good. A ton of fans here already, which is really cool.”

When asked how he expected the track to race once cars are on course, Dixon believes it will be a very good track for Indy cars.

“Like the surface could be one that grips up really well or doesn't at all,” Dixon explained. “I think a lot of it will depend on just how the tire really works with the surface. I think from the simulation that we had, from what it's seen, it was a lot bumpier. But I think all the scans were done before that actually surface was actually completed, so the track surface looks really good.”