IndyCar Series move to Markham will boost city's economy, but not everyone is racing to celebrate

After years of burning rubber on Toronto's lakeshore, Markham is now the starting line for the NTT IndyCar Series. And while lots of people in Markham are thrilled, not everyone's racing to celebrate.

For many, the move marks a significant milestone for the city, one that will bring around 150,000 attendees for one weekend each year.

"Now we get a chance to showcase our property, the city, the food industry and our hospitality," said Marcos Yu, general manager of the Hilton Markham Suites.

"We're really excited."

Yu says the Hilton Markham Suites is undergoing renovations that will be completed by the time the event rolls around, and he looks forward to showing off the hotel, as well as the city itself.

Toronto's IndyCar race moving to Markham in 2026

"We have wineries 15 minutes away from here. We have venues and different things you wouldn't think Markham has and we hope guests get to see this in addition to the IndyRace — and then tell other people about it," Yu said.

The city's mayor, Frank Scarpitti, touted the economic benefits at a news conference Wednesday.

"The economic impact on the GTA [Greater Toronto Area] is significant. It's estimated to bring in 50 million dollars a year. Not only does Markham win, so do other communities," Scarpitti said.

Race organizers say Markham will be a more convenient commute for the majority of fans, with attendees able to use two major 400-series highways, the Unionville GO Station, or the VIVA Rapid Transit system to get to the event. The city will also be a more affordable place to stay than downtown Toronto.

But some people think the new race location is less than ideal.

The finish line in Markham isn't a win for all residents, who say they only found out about it through the