The Chequered Flag Waves Goodbye to Exhibition Place: Toronto Indy Gears Up for a Grand Move to Markham!

A monumental shift is on the horizon for one of Toronto's most thrilling annual spectacles: the Honda Indy. After decades of high-octane action echoing through the streets surrounding Exhibition Place, the iconic race is now preparing to wave its chequered flag in a brand new location – the vibrant city of Markham.

This significant relocation, anticipated as early as 2027 or 2028, is primarily driven by the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will require Exhibition Place for its global event.

Sources close to the negotiations reveal that serious discussions are well underway for the Toronto Indy to move to the lands around Buttonville Airport in Markham.

While no official announcement has been made, the wheels are actively turning, with the current contract at Exhibition Place set to expire after the 2026 race. This proposed move marks a pivotal moment, ushering in a new era for motorsport in the Greater Toronto Area and presenting both exciting opportunities and considerable logistical challenges.

The catalyst for this departure is the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an event of unprecedented scale that will see Toronto as one of its host cities.

Exhibition Place, a sprawling complex, is earmarked to play a crucial role in the World Cup operations, potentially serving as a fan zone, media centre, or staging area. This unavoidable conflict makes it impractical for the IndyCar series to continue its tenure at its traditional home, which it has occupied for much of its history since 1986, save for a few interruptions and the pandemic.

For Markham, this presents a colossal opportunity.

Mayor Frank Scarpitti has emerged as a keen proponent of the move, envisioning the Toronto Indy as a "world-class event" that will bring immense economic benefits and global recognition to his city. He sees it as a natural evolution, building on Markham's reputation as a growing urban centre. However, transforming the Buttonville Airport area into a high-speed street circuit is no small feat.

It will require extensive planning for infrastructure, grandstands, pit lanes, and, crucially, managing the impact of weeks-long road closures on local residents and businesses.

The engineering and planning involved in creating a new street circuit from scratch are monumental. Unlike purpose-built tracks, a street circuit weaves through existing urban landscapes, demanding meticulous attention to safety, spectator access, and minimal disruption.

Local businesses around Buttonville Airport, which ceased operations as an active airport in 2023, will need to be engaged and accommodated. The success of this transition will hinge on seamless collaboration between race organizers, city officials, and community stakeholders.

As Toronto prepares to host the world's most popular sport, its beloved auto race looks set to find a new, expansive home.

The move to Markham promises to inject fresh energy into the Honda Indy, potentially attracting new fans and revitalizing the event for a new generation. While nostalgia for Exhibition Place will undoubtedly linger, the prospect of a new, state-of-the-art urban circuit in Markham offers an exciting glimpse into the future of Canadian motorsport.

Fans eagerly await further details, ready to embrace the roar of engines in a new, captivating setting.