Honda Indy Markham practice delayed as track build runs late

The inaugural Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham faced immediate setbacks as the race promoter failed to complete construction of the new street circuit on time, forcing the cancellation of all on-track activity on Friday, August 14. The delay disrupted plans for the first practice sessions and a traditional "Free Fan Friday" event, prompting apologies from both organizers and IndyCar leadership.

The temporary 12-turn, 2.19-mile course, built for the first time this week between Kennedy Road, Enterprise Boulevard, the Unionville GO tracks, and Highway 407, was not ready for competition by the scheduled start times. Persistent issues, including work on tire barriers in some turns, meant the track was never approved by the FIA representative. "INDYCAR is incredibly disappointed that our promoter was not able to complete the track build on time, despite significant support from our team on site," said INDYCAR President J. Douglas Boles in a statement. He added that the large number of spectators who attended despite the delay was a testament to the sport's appeal in Ontario.

Organizers apologized to fans who attended the free Friday event. In response to the delay, the series...