Car enthusiasts, this is your moment! One of the world’s largest car racing events is coming to Toronto this weekend, and here’s what you need to know.
The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto, also known as the Honda Indy, will be happening at Exhibition Place from July 18 – 20 with racing competitions, food trucks, interactive exhibitions, beer gardens, and much more.
Toronto’s fastest festival has been taking over city streets since 1986, becoming one of Ontario’s largest sporting events and providing a space for some of the world’s best drivers to connect and shine, including big names like Alex Palou, Scott Dixon, Will Power, and Josef Newgarden.
The world-class event is featuring races in different series, with cars going through a 1.786-mile street circuit and attempting to swiftly pass each other in 11 thrilling turns and going through 90 laps per race.
Besides some exciting street racing, the festival also offers tons of other entertainment options, delicious food and interactive displays.
As for road closures, Lake Shore Blvd. will be closed from Strachan Ave. to British Columbia Rd. from Wednesday, July 16 at 9 p.m. until Monday, July 21 at 1 a.m.
RACING SERIES AND RACES
The first series to open the event is open-wheel racing series, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Drivers in this series are known for being versatile, competing in street circuits, short ovals and super speedways.
The qualifying race for this series will take place on Saturday from 2:35 – 4 p.m., while the 90-laps race happens at 12:22 p.m. on Sunday. Fans should also keep an eye out for the series’ autograph session from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. on Friday in Heritage Court.
The third official step on the USF Pro Championships ladder, now known as USF Pro 2000, will also be coming to Exhibition Place this weekend. The 2025 champion of this race will receive a $546,500 scholarship to advance into INDY NXT in 2026.
The qualifying race for this series is set for Friday at 2:10 p.m., while the second race will take place at 10:20 a.m. on Sunday.
Meanwhile, qualifiers for the second official step on the USF Pro Championships races will begin at 1:35 p.m. on Friday, and Race 2 will happen at 9:25 a.m. on Sunday. This category provides training for rising stars, and the winner will be awarded with a $405,040 scholarship to advance onto the USF Pro 2000 next year.
The Emzone Radical Cup Canada will also be happening this weekend, featuring a single-make racing series with Radical SR3 1340s. Qualifiers will start at 12:45 p.m. on Friday, with Race 2 taking place on Sunday at 2:50 p.m.
With something for everyone, Honda Dealers Indy is also bringing in grassroots racing with The Miata Canada Cup, set to bring over 24 drivers with a focus on their skills and experiences. The first qualifier is at 4:45 p.m. on Friday, and the closing competition is on Sunday, at 3:45 p.m.
PASSES AND FREE FAN FRIDAY
Ontario Honda Dealers is bringing back Free Fan Friday, presenting attendees with free general admission tickets on Friday! Attendees are encouraged to make a voluntary donation to Make-A-Wish Canada, which will be matched by Ontario Honda Dealers Honda Indy Toronto.
Meanwhile, attendees have several one-day or weekend admission options to choose from for the rest of the weekend based on their desired seat with different views of the circuit. Single-day tickets start at $50 on Saturday, with children under 12 being free as long as they’re accompanied by an adult, and two-day tickets start at $85.
For more information about tickets and the full schedule of events, visit https://hondaindy.com/.
