The Honda Indy, a staple of Toronto's racing scene for nearly 40 years, will relocate to Markham in 2026. This change comes under a five-year agreement announced on Wednesday. The move is primarily due to scheduling conflicts with the FIFA World Cup, which will occupy Exhibition Place during the traditional race period.

The Honda Indy has been held at Exhibition Place since 1986, making it the second-longest running IndyCar street race in North America. The event has significantly contributed to Ontario's economy, generating over $50 million and attracting around 150,000 fans in 2024 alone. However, with the race moving, Toronto risks losing this economic boost for years to come.

Jeff Atkinson, president of the race, expressed concerns about the future of the event in Toronto. "There’s a lot of cities lining up right now to be an NTT IndyCar Series host," he said. "If we took a year off from Exhibition Place and Ontario, this event may never come back. So we did not want to be on a series of one-year revolving contracts."

The FIFA World Cup will take place at BMO Field from June 12 to July 2, 2026, which conflicts with the Honda Indy’s usual mid-to-late July schedule. Don Boyle, CEO of Exhibition Place, noted that there were no alternative dates available for the race. He acknowledged the potential long-term impact of the move, stating, "It is definitely a concern that the race will never return," but he believes the financial impact will be minimal, estimating a loss of about $650,000.

In Markham, the new temporary track will be constructed in the downtown area, spanning 3.52 kilometers. It will be located between Kennedy Road, Enterprise Boulevard, Unionville GO tracks, and Highway 407. The design includes a double-sided pit lane, straightaways, and challenging sectors. Frank Scarpitti, the mayor of Markham, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, "Markham is ready to build on its strong sports legacy and offer a new home where this celebrated summer tradition can thrive."

The race weekend is scheduled for August 14 to 16, 2026. Markham has already begun preparations for the track and festival site. Green Savoree, the organization behind the race, highlighted the growth in the York region and its accessibility via major highways and transit systems.

Ontario's Minister of Sport, Neil Lumsden, welcomed the move, emphasizing the importance of the Indy as a major sporting event in the province. He stated, "This event will continue to drive tourism, boost our economy, and strengthen Ontario’s reputation as a premier destination for world-class sporting events."

The Honda Indy is expected to draw over 140,000 attendees during the three-day event, contributing significantly to local economic activity through tourism and hospitality.