The City of Markham and Green Savoree Toronto announced in a press conference Wednesday that the annual Honda Indy Toronto will move to Markham in 2026.

The race, which has been held on the streets around Toronto’s Exhibition Place since 1986, is one of Ontario’s premier sporting events and was nicknamed “The Roar on the Lake Shore” for its famous route along Lake Shore Boulevard.

The new Honda Indy Markham will be held from August 14 to 16, 2026, officials said. The temporary course will be 12 turns and 3.52 kilometres long, longer than the current 2.874-kilometre track in Toronto. The track will be built in downtown Markham between Kennedy Street, Enterprise Boulevard, the Unionville GO Train Lines and Highway 407, and will feature a double-pitched lane.

Organizers expect the three-day event to attract more than 140,000 spectators and generate “tens of millions of dollars” in economic revenue through sports tourism, hospitality and ancillary services.

“This opportunity to host the Honda Indy Race in Markham demonstrates what we have in store,” Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti said at a news conference. “We are ready and excited to host this major sporting event from the planning stage to the final checkered flag. Buckle up, we’re ready to go.”

Financial details of the new five-year deal were not disclosed.

IndyCar is the highest level of open-wheel racing in North America, with cars capable of reaching speeds of up to 370 kilometers per hour.

At this year’s Toronto Grand Prix, several IndyCar drivers complained about the poor condition of the Toronto track, particularly Turn 3, which is currently under construction due to the controversial Therme Spa and Water Park project. Drivers like Kyle Kirkwood and Will Power noted a noticeable bump in the track.

Formerly known as the Molson Indy, the race is one of Ontario’s biggest sporting events and takes place on a full weekend in July each year.

Indy has hosted some notable drivers, including Will Power, who set the fastest lap in the race’s history in 2018 with a time of 59.714 seconds.

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