Lundgaard Dominates Speed Charts: Markham Showdown Looms
Everything You Need to Know About the First IndyCar Race in Markham, Ontario
What’s Happening This Weekend?
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is making history with its first-ever race in Markham, Ontario! The event is called the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham, and it’s a 90-lap sprint that promises plenty of excitement.
How to Watch
The race airs live on FOX at noon ET. You can also catch it on FOX One and INDYCAR Radio powered by OnlyBulls.
Who Looked Fast in Morning Warmup?
Before the real race begins, drivers take a "warmup" session to test their cars. Here’s who topped the timesheets:
| Position | Driver | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Christian Lundgaard | Arrow McLaren |
| 2nd | Rinus VeeKay | Juncos Hollinger Racing |
| 3rd | Louis Foster | Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing |
| 4th | Romain Grosjean | Dale Coyne Racing |
| 5th | Kyffin Simpson | Chip Ganassi Racing |
Did You Know?
Louis Foster starts from pole position (1st on the grid) for the second time in his career. He’s chasing his first-ever INDYCAR win.
Big Story: Championship Leaders Hit with Penalties
The top three drivers in the championship standings all received six-grid-position penalties because their teams changed engines without approval. This shakes up the starting order in a big way.
How the Penalties Affected the Title Contenders
| Driver | Team | Championship Rank | Original Start | New Start After Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Palou | Chip Ganassi Racing | 1st (110-point lead) | 5th | 11th |
| Kyle Kirkwood | Andretti Global | 2nd | 16th | 22nd |
| David Malukas | Team Penske | 3rd | 1st | 7th |
Important Callout
Palou is going for his 5th championship in 6 years. Starting 11th makes his job harder—but he’s done it before. Kirkwood, starting 22nd, has a mountain to climb if he wants to close the 110-point gap with only 5 races left.
Other Drivers Serving Engine Penalties
These drivers also got six-spot grid drops for unapproved engine changes (announced Friday, so they used those engines all weekend):
- Alexander Rossi – Ed Carpenter Racing
- Christian Rasmussen – Ed Carpenter Racing
- Marcus Armstrong – Meyer Shank Racing w/ Curb Agajanian
Race Start & Finish Line Details
This street course has a unique setup:
- Green flag waves on the backstretch – between Turns 5 and 6 – to give cars proper spacing at the start.
- Finish line is halfway between Turns 12 and 1 – not at the usual start/finish straight.
Who’s Chasing Their First Win?
Several front-row starters are hunting for a breakthrough victory:
| Driver | Previous INDYCAR Wins | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Louis Foster | 0 | 2nd career pole; 1st at Road America (2025) |
| Romain Grosjean | 0 | Former F1 driver; close calls but no wins yet |
| Kyffin Simpson | 0 | Rookie standout for Ganassi |
| Rinus VeeKay | 1 (2021, Indy road course) | Only front-row starter with a win |
| Christian Lundgaard | 1 (2023, Toronto) | Won last Ontario race at Exhibition Place |
Fun Fact
Lundgaard’s 2023 win was in Toronto – just down the highway from Markham. He knows these Ontario streets!
Summary: What to Watch For
- Foster vs. Lundgaard on the front row – youth vs. experience
- Palou starting 11th – can the champion slice through traffic?
- Kirkwood at 22nd – his title hopes likely hinge on a crazy race
- First-time winners? Four of the top five in warmup have zero INDYCAR wins
- Unique start/finish – backstretch start, mid-corner finish line
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. Why did so many drivers get penalties?
Teams changed engines without INDYCAR approval. The rule says you must use a sealed engine for a set number of races. Breaking that seal early = automatic 6-spot grid penalty.
2. What does “pole position” mean?
It means starting 1st – the best qualifying time. Louis Foster earned it, but didn’t set the fastest warmup lap (that was Lundgaard).
3. How many races are left in the season?
Five races remain after Markham. Palou’s 110-point lead is big, but not impossible to overcome.
4. Where exactly is this track?
It’s a temporary street circuit in Markham, Ontario – part of the Greater Toronto Area. Think city streets closed off for racing!
5. Can I see the full starting lineup and warmup results?
Yes!
Final Thought
This race has “chaos” written all over it. With championship leaders buried in the grid, a street course that punishes mistakes, and multiple drivers hungry for their first win – don’t miss the green flag at noon ET on FOX!