The long-awaited debut of the IndyCar Series on the streets of Markham has hit a major roadblock. Preparations for the inaugural Ontario Honda Grand Prix of Markham remained incomplete Friday, forcing officials to hold the opening sessions on track. UPDATE: Although there were hopes to have track construction ordered before the day was over to have the cars on track by 6 pm ET, three hours after the originally scheduled start time, circuit construction was not completed in time and ended the day. While more details may be provided later, IndyCar has updated Saturday’s schedule as a result of the issues. Practice 1 – 10 a.m. ET Practice 2 – 2:30 p.m. Qualifying – 6:30 p.m. Breakdown: Unfinished track elements, including racing bridges, safety fences, and timing and scoring cables, have delayed race promoter Green Savoree Race Promotions in completing the temporary street course. The disruption began early in the event schedule. Thursday’s traditional track walk was canceled and postponed until Friday morning, leaving drivers and teams inspecting the layout while construction crews continued building around it. The series also ordered teams to delay loading equipment into the double-sided pit lane until Thursday afternoon. On-track action was originally scheduled to begin Friday morning at 8 a.m. ET with support categories, but no cars were able to enter the circuit. On Friday afternoon, IndyCar announced that its inaugural practice session, scheduled for 3:05 p.m. ET, had also been suspended. IndyCar issued the following statement on social media regarding the delays: “As preparations continue at the Streets of Markham circuit, today’s NTT IndyCar Series Practice Session 1, scheduled for 3:05 p.m. ET, is on hold. “Once the race promoter has completed track construction and INDYCAR deems the circuit safe and appropriate for competition, the first track session of the weekend will begin. “Further updates will be provided throughout the afternoon.” The event marks a major transition for IndyCar’s Canadian footprint. Formally announced on September 3, 2025, the move to Markham moved the historic race away from Toronto’s Exhibition Place, which had hosted IndyCar racing since the 1980s. Located in the eastern district of the Markham downtown district in the Greater Toronto Area, the new 12-turn, 2.19-mile temporary circuit was designed to present a difficult technical challenge, complete with short straights, technical hard-braking sectors and a double-sided pit lane. face. Series officials and promoters are working around the clock to complete safety facilities so that on-track activity can begin safely. Further revisions to the schedule are expected as the afternoon progresses. Also read: We want your opinion! What would you like to see on Motorsport.com? Take our 5-minute survey. – The Motorsport.com team
