INDYCAR Postpones Markham Practice Following Safety Certification Delays
Inaugural Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham sees Friday sessions scrapped as FIA representative withholds approval over unfinished barriers and fencing.
INDYCAR practice sessions for the inaugural Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham in Ontario were cancelled on Friday after track construction remained incomplete. Safety concerns regarding walls, fencing, and tire barriers prevented the 2.19-mile course from receiving final certification from the FIA representative, prompting the postponement of on-track activities. The event has been rescheduled, with two practice sessions and qualifying moved to Saturday.
The series scrapped the entire Friday schedule at 5:30 p.m. ET after support series and driver sessions were delayed due to unfinished track infrastructure. INDYCAR President J. Douglas Boles expressed disappointment in the promoter’s inability to complete the build on time, despite significant support from INDYCAR’s on-site team. Boles acknowledged the logistical challenges inherent in new events and apologised to fans for the disruption, noting the strong spectator turnout as evidence of the market’s potential.
The track will host two practice sessions on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., followed by qualifying at 6:30 p.m. The race is scheduled for Sunday, with broadcast coverage on FOX and FOX One at noon ET. While significant progress was made overnight, persistent safety concerns regarding specific walls and tire barriers remained, requiring additional installations in runoff areas to meet safety standards.
Drivers noted that the entire course features brand-new asphalt, a first for a street course, which was repaved to ensure a uniform surface. This contrasts with typical street circuits that utilise a mix of asphalt repaved at different times. Team Penske driver Scott McLaughlin described the layout as an "awesome" and "wicked" course, while points leader Alex Palou highlighted the unique tarmac conditions, though he expressed frustration that the track was not ready upon arrival.
The delay follows a track walk for teams that was postponed until Friday morning due to incomplete infrastructure visible during Thursday’s load-in. Insufficient personnel and equipment had previously hindered the ability to finish the build quickly enough for inspection. The FIA representative’s withholding of certification was the primary catalyst for the cancellation, underscoring the regulatory hurdles facing the inaugural visit to the Toronto suburb.
