Car Ice Racing – Sportseum

Ice racing is a form of racing that uses cars, motorcycles, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, or other motorized vehicles. Ice racing takes place on frozen lakes or rivers, or on groomed frozen lots. As cold weather is a requirement for natural ice, it is usually found at higher latitudes in Canada, the northern United States, and in northern Europe, although limited indoor events are held in warmer climates, typically on ice hockey rinks (motorcycles and ATVs only). Tracks in North America vary from 1/4 mile (~400 m) long ovals to several mile-long road course designs.

In Sweden and Finland ice racing have been big event since 1960 about.

History

Ice Racing started in Ontario more than forty years ago, and it continues to thrive as an inexpensive, fun part of the Ontario motorsport scene.

The events were originally held on frozen lakes and rivers – and some still are – but in the late seventies, the Ontario championships moved to more permanent facilities at the fairgrounds in Minden, Ontario.

The track is laid out, then repeatedly coated with water until a thick layer of ice is built up between the snowbanks that delineate the course. The ice race season starts in mid January and runs until early March, usually consisting of six two-day events.

Violation of the Rules

1st Violation ‐ A first violation will result in disqualification from the race, loss of points for the race and start the remaining races of the day in appropriate class from the rear.

2nd Violation ‐ A second violation will result in disqualification from the race, loss of all points for the weekend, and suspension from the following weekend.

Blue Flag Violation ‐ Points will be forfeited for the race day for any driver who hits another car that is stuck in a snow bank after the blue flag has been displayed.

Black Flag Violation ‐ Any reported contact with a pylon will result in a black flag and a stop and go penalty.

All rules and their interpretations, as well as race procedures including penalties, are determined by race officials. Race officials’ decisions are final.

Equipments

Tracks: Tracks used for ice racing include ovals and road courses. Some tracks are dirt track racing tracks with the snow plowed off them. When there is no natural snow, an icy surface may be created by spraying the dirt surface with water when the temperature is below freezing. Artificial ice tracks (usually speed skating ovals) are used where it is not possible to construct natural ice tracks. Some tracks are made by plowing the snow off an area of a frozen lake. Spectators frequently park their cars around the outside of the track on a frozen lake.

In the UK ice meetings have been staged at ice rinks. The longest running event, at Telford, features riders using conventional machines with spiked tires. In the late 1960s, ice racing was staged at a number of rinks in Scotland but the machines used were really based machines with all-season tires.

In Nordic countries track are about one mile. Many tracks are very different.

Tires

Ice racing tires are either studded or non-studded. Studded tires have a stud such as a screw or a bolt to provide better traction and increased speed. Some studs are sharpened to increase penetration. Tires cannot be purchased with studs, so the pit crew needs to attach the studs to the tire. Through 2008, Menard’s Racing in Wisconsin manufactured and sold studded racing tires for cars, and they were required in many ice-racing classes. Cars with studded tires are generally required to contain a roll cage and increased safety equipment since they achieve much more speed with the greater cornering abilities.