Ontario mall about to get free car racing simulator attraction

A new free experience at an Ontario mall will let you strap into the driver's seat of a professional racing simulator.

CF Markville shopping centre in Markham is undergoing a transformation ahead of the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy, celebrating the motorsports festival's first year in the Toronto suburb following a five-year deal announced last year to move the Grand Prix of Toronto from Exhibition Place to Markham.

And, while Toronto locals are sad to see the major event relocate north of the city, the arrival of the first Markham Indy in August is proving to be a huge deal for the suburb's approximately 376,000 residents.

Markville mall is getting into the event spirit with multiple free activations planned for August, most notably a "racing simulator experience" that will let people try their luck on the track (without the associated danger) on Saturday, Aug. 1, and Sunday, Aug. 2.

The attraction — a partnership with Toronto Racing Simulators — will bring four professional-grade racing simulators to the mall, where visitors will be able to drive on a virtual recreation of the real Markham Indy track layout and compete against professional lap times.

In conjunction with the racing simulator pop-up, CF Markville is hosting a "1:20 Speed Challenge," where participants who clock an average simulator lap time of 1 minute and 20 seconds or faster will be treated to a $15 gift card.

"We are thrilled to welcome families and racing fans to CF Markville to kick off a historic milestone for our city," said Kelly Vieira, General Manager, CF Markville. 

In addition to the simulator, other free, interactive experiences coming to CF Markville include a race car that will be parked in the mall's Grand Court throughout the weekend, an appearance from professional racer and Markham native Demi Chalkias, who will appear for meet-and-greets, autographs, and photos on both days from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

"As Markham hosts its largest-ever sporting event, we wanted to bring that trackside energy directly to our community. Whether guests are testing their skills on professional simulators or meeting local star Demi Chalkias, CF Markville will be the ultimate hub for pre-race excitement," said Viera.

Professional racer and Markham native Demi Chalkias. Cadillac Fairview/CNW

CF Markville is located at 5000 Hwy 7, Markham, Ont., with the event taking place Saturday, Aug. 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 2 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.