IndyCar veteran Scott Dixon expressed his reservations during the recent pre-season conference about the decision to replace the long-standing IndyCar event in Toronto with a new race in Markham, Ontario, starting in 2026. Dixon, a prominent driver for Chip Ganassi Racing, criticized the change, emphasizing the significance of the Toronto venue for both drivers and fans.
For many years, the Indy Toronto race has held the unique position of being the only IndyCar event located outside the United States. However, Penske Entertainment officials have confirmed that in 2026, the series will shift the Canadian street race from downtown Toronto to a new track in Markham, another city within Ontario. Although the event remains in the same province and country, the venue’s location and atmosphere will differ notably.
Scott Dixon boasts a strong record at the Toronto street circuit, having secured four victories since the track rejoined the IndyCar calendar in 2009, after the reunification of the IRL and Champ Car series. Among these wins, Dixon notably swept both races in Toronto’s 2013 doubleheader, during his championship-winning season. He also triumphed in the 2018 and 2022 editions, cementing his familiarity and success at the former venue.
Dixon Reflects on What Will Be Lost Moving Away from Toronto’s Downtown Setting
During the press conference, Dixon was asked about his thoughts on the switch to the Markham circuit and what he will miss about racing in Toronto. He reflected on the distinct advantages of the downtown Toronto locale, especially its proximity to key city features.
“It’s a shame, I think, with losing the one there by the convention center. I don’t know if it’s on the cards to be back or what it is. But I think the proximity to downtown is really fantastic, to all the restaurants, to the hotels and things like that. The new area I’m not even sure of. I think it’s 30 minutes north of where we were.” (told media including Sportskeeda)
“Excited for a new track and one — I think the last iteration of the Toronto circuit was kind of the worst of the three or four that I’ve driven on, but it was still a lot of fun. I think the biggest thing about the Toronto race is the fans and everybody that comes out for that one. It makes that event very strong,” added Scott Dixon
His comments highlight the value that the downtown Toronto setting brought not only in terms of race logistics but also fan engagement and city atmosphere—qualities he fears may not be matched by the new Markham location, which lies approximately 30 minutes further north.
Dixon Plans Minor Adjustments to Challenge Championship Contender Alex Palou in 2026
Despite being a six-time IndyCar champion, Scott Dixon has recently seen his younger teammate, Alex Palou, dominate the headlines with four titles in the last five seasons. Heading into 2026, Palou remains a top favorite to claim another championship.
When asked about preparation changes for the upcoming season in an effort to rival Palou’s success, Dixon admitted that improving qualifying performance is a key focus. He acknowledged committing several crucial errors during qualifying in 2025, which cost him valuable starting positions on weekends that otherwise looked promising.
“There was a lot of things where we gave up a lot of big starting positions on weekends that were looking extremely good. I think just execution and looking at the details a little bit better.”
“I think there’s a few things engineering side that we can definitely do better on, as well, for driving style differences and things like that. No, the team is strong. The pit crew stays exactly the same as last year. A couple small changes on the stand. Yeah, I’m looking forward to it,” added Dixon
At 45 years old, Dixon ended last season ranked third in the championship, trailing only teammate Alex Palou and Pato O’Ward. His remarks suggest a focused yet measured approach to refining technical and execution elements rather than a complete overhaul.
Implications of the Race Venue Change for the IndyCar Series and Fans
The relocation of the Canadian street race from Toronto to Markham marks a significant shift in the IndyCar calendar. Toronto’s event had built a strong legacy too familiar to drivers like Dixon, who admire both the racing and fan atmosphere. While the new street circuit in Markham promises fresh challenges, it remains to be seen how the change will affect attendance, local engagement, and the overall appeal of the race weekend.
For Scott Dixon and his Chip Ganassi Racing team, adapting to the new circuit represents one of several challenges heading into 2026. Their focus on fine-tuning qualifying execution shows their intent to close the gap on dominant champions like Palou. The forthcoming season will test how well drivers and teams adjust to new venues, with this Canadian race move being a central topic of interest.
