​IndyCar and IMS President Doug Boles during the public drivers’ meeting prior to the NTT IndyCar Series 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 24, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael L. Levitt/Lumen via Getty Images)Lumen via Getty ImagesIn what could have been a great opening day for IndyCar on the streets of Markham, Ontario turned into bitter disappointment for the huge throng of fans in the grandstands and for IndyCar President Doug Boles.Instead of racing action, the only wheels turned on the 2.19-mile, 12-turn road course was construction machinery still trying to complete the track build. Without enough key tire packs in place to make for a safe impact area, IndyCar officials cancelled all track activity on Friday and issued a revised schedule for Saturday.That left Boles furious that the track was not ready in time by the promoter of this weekend’s event, and a key, longtime IndyCar ally, Green Savoree Promotions. “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,” Boles said. “Ontario has always been a magnificent market for our sport and the number of spectators that attended today is a shining example of that. New events can always pose logistical challenges and we join in the frustration of our loyal fans and apologize.“Once we hit the track, we believe the circuit will be spectacular. We would like to thank the city of Markham for the major support it has made to provide IndyCar a layout, which is fast, technical and will put on a terrific show on Sunday.”Bitter Disappointment For IndyCar And Fans At Markham On FridayThere was a lot of excitement heading into the NTT IndyCar race at a new venue Friday on the streets of Markham, Ontario. The fans arrived early and filled the impressive grandstands, excited to witness IndyCar action in the buildup to Sunday’s Ontario Honda Dealers Indy At Markham.But the track wasn’t ready and had some serious safety issues, including the lack of tire packs that are used as key safety barriers on street courses. They are needed for runoff areas and a few other places on track. The promoter had a plan in place to address that issue in time for Saturday morning’s activity, according to IndyCar.Other issues included a delay in the track build that included completing a full race track wall and fencing and significant safety concerns with areas of the wall and runoff.Also, a lack of personnel to complete the tire and fence/wall construction.Construction continues on the Markham circuit. The opening of the track and start of track activities was delayed because the track was not completed on schedule during the NTT INDYCAR Series NTT INDYCAR Series Ontario Honda Dealers INDY at Markham on August 14, 2026 in Markham, Ontario. (Photo by Michael L. Levitt/Lumen via Getty Images)Lumen via Getty ImagesThe track build for the 2.19-mile, 12-tu