IndyCar calls off opening day in Markham after promoter fails to complete track

MARKHAM, Ontario (AP) — IndyCar officials called off the first day of practice and qualifying Friday at the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham after the race promoter failed to complete the track.

The event is in its first year in Markham after leaving Toronto’s Exhibition Place, the race site since its inaugural running in 1986.

Once the track is completed, IndyCar will inspect the circuit to ensure it’s safe. Officials hoped to squeeze all the activities scheduled for Friday into the Saturday schedule ahead of the race Sunday.

“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,” IndyCar President J. Douglas Boles said in a statement. “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.”

The temporary circuit, built for the first time this week, runs between Kennedy Road, Enterprise Boulevard, the Unionville GO tracks and Highway 407.

Some of the incomplete features included a pedestrian bridge over Enterprise Boulevard that would connect parking to the main spectator compound as well as ports cut into safety fencing for marshals to wave hazard flags through.

Venue preparations remain underway ahead of the 2026 Honda Indy in Markham, Ont., Friday, Aug. 14, 2026.(Sammy Kogan /The Canadian Press via AP)

Venue preparations remain underway ahead of the 2026 Honda Indy in Markham, Ont., Friday, Aug. 14, 2026.(Sammy Kogan /The Canadian Press via AP)

Track preparations remain underway ahead of the 2026 Honda Indy in Markham, Ont., Friday, Aug. 14, 2026.(Sammy Kogan /The Canadian Press via AP)

Race personnel scooter along empty racetracks as preparations continue ahead of the 2026 Honda Indy in Markham, Ont., Friday, Aug. 14, 2026.(Sammy Kogan /The Canadian Press via AP)

Spectators sit by empty racetracks as preparations continue ahead of the 2026 Honda Indy in Markham, Ont., Friday, Aug. 14, 2026.(Sammy Kogan /The Canadian Press via AP)

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Scottie Scheffler birdied the first five holes and shot a 9-under 61 on Friday to take a three-stroke lead in the FedEx St. Jude Championship.

“Really just a dream start,” Scheffler said. “Probably one of the best starts I’ve had on tour, to be honest with you. I couldn’t tell you a time where I’ve been lower early in the round.”

The top-ranked Scheffler had 11 birdies and two bogeys in 100-degree heat at TPC Southwind in the playoff opener. He had an 11-under 129 total.

“The tournament is halfway over,” Scheffler said. “I had two good rounds to start and hopefully continue that over the weekend.”

Scheffler tied the tournament course record.

“I wouldn’t say golf’s ever easy,” Scheffler. “I did some good things out there. I hit some iron shots in there close and was able to hole a few putts as well.”

He has played the TPC Southwind more times (seven) without winning than any other course on the PGA Tour.

Viktor Hovland and Sungjae Im were tied for second at 8 under. Hovland had a 64, and Im shot his second 66.

“It was really nice, really solid,” Hovland said. “Hit a lot of fairways, and I think that’s a big deal for my game, but also especially at this golf course. I think it’s really difficult to score if you’re missing fairways.”

Ludvig Aberg was 7 under after a 65.

Jordan Spieth shot 69 to get to 6 under. He was part of a four-way tie for the first-round lead. Spieth is outside the top 50 in the FedEx Cup who advance to the BMW Championship next week.

Scheffler entered the week with a 794-point lead over Matt Fitzpatrick in the FedExCup standings. Fitzpatrick was 3 under after a 67.

So much emphasis is on getting into the top 50 because that locks up all the $20 million signature events for next season.

Rory McIlroy played alongside Scheffler the first two days. He followed an opening 74 with a 70, leaving him tied for 60th at 4 over.

See AP’s full golf coverage here

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, hits around a tree on the seventh fairway during the second round of the St. Jude Championship golf tournament Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Ludvig Aberg, of Sweden, after putting in on the 18th hole during the second round of the St. Jude Championship golf tournament Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Scottie Scheffler, left, and Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, shake hands after finishing the second round of the St. Jude Championship golf tournament Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Scottie Scheffler hits on the ninth hole during the second round of the St. Jude Championship golf tournament Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Scottie Scheffler misses a birdie try on the 18th hole during the second round of the St. Jude Championship golf tournament Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)