Ice Racing Season Coming Soon
Most people in Canada seem to feel, once the snow starts to fall, that the racing season is over. That is not the case in many parts of the
country. There is a small, but growing group of devoted racers called, ice racers. Each year, about this time, they're busy preparing for the upcoming season, which normally starts in late December or early January. Ice racing is common in Québec, Ontario, and on the Plains. In Ontario, the two main groups of ice racers are located in the Toronto area, and in Thunder Bay. The group around Toronto competes in a six race series in Minden, Ontario. The season starts just after the New Year and runs for six weekends straight. In Thunder Bay, their series starts a little earlier, as he gets colder quicker there.
Quite often, it's not uncommon to see some of Canada's best road racers take part in ice racing. Most use it to improve their car control skills, and to fill their need for speed during the winter.
Classes
in both areas consist of rubber to ice and studded classes. The rubber classes used Bridgestone Blizzaks, the same tires you would use on the street during the winter. There are classes for front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive cars. The entertainment value of these classes is second to none. Most of the times, drivers are all elbows and feet, trying to keep their cars out of the snow banks. It gets a lot more serious, however, when the studded cars take to the track. These are out-and-out race cars, designed specifically to the task of ice racing. Ice racing is also one of the most cost effective forms of motorsports - you get a lot of ice time, er, track time, for the dollar. Did I mention ice racing is way, way too much fun?
If you really have the need to race year-round, ice racing can help you get your winter fix. For more information on ice racing in Canada, visit the ASN Canada FIA website at www.asncanada.com or for Ice Racing in Thunder Bay, visit www.iceracingthunderbay.com, or www.casc.on.ca.
Most people in Canada seem to feel, once the snow starts to fall, that the racing season is over. That is not the case in many parts of the
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| Paul Peterson's VW packs a potent punch. With just over 280bhp, it is a purpose built ice racer. (Photo courtesy of Thunder Bay Autosport Club) |
Quite often, it's not uncommon to see some of Canada's best road racers take part in ice racing. Most use it to improve their car control skills, and to fill their need for speed during the winter.
Classes
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| Quite often, it's not uncommon to see some of Canada's best road racers take part in ice racing. (Photo: CarsOnIce.ca) |
If you really have the need to race year-round, ice racing can help you get your winter fix. For more information on ice racing in Canada, visit the ASN Canada FIA website at www.asncanada.com or for Ice Racing in Thunder Bay, visit www.iceracingthunderbay.com, or www.casc.on.ca.