Ice racing takes place on a frozen surface such as a lake or pond and develops low friction car control and competitive skills.
16 years of age with a valid driver’s licence for the crew member listed as driver. Passengers (minimum age 12 years, minimum weight 36 kg or (80lbs) and minimum height
145 cm or (4’9”)) are permitted. For any participant (driver or passenger) under the age of majority of the province, a written permission signed by a parent or guardian must be provided.
Ice racing vehicles can be any vehicle with an engine capacity of less than 3.0 litres. This vehicle does not have to be plated or insured but should be mechanically sound and must be able to start and run well in cold weather conditions. Many cars competing in ice racing are older models that have been taken off the road, making them affordable to purchase for ice racing purposes.
Helmets are required and must meet the standard outlined in the CASC Ontario Ice Racing Rules. Each vehicle despite their class must have the headlights, tail lights and any exterior plastic trim removed that could break during a collision. Bumpers can be removed or modified so that they cannot lock with another vehicle and result in a crash. The brakes, steering and safety equipment must be in proper working order. An additional braking light must be installed on the roof or rear window of the vehicle to make sure drivers can see them from behind.
Watch a few races and/or take part in a race with an experienced driver to get a feel for the sport.
One of the most important aspects of ice racing is tires. Ice racing is all about the fine balance between traction and speed. Tires, including the rubber compound, the tread design and the tire pressure all play a very important part in maintaining grip and traction on an icy road surface. In ice racing events each car class is able to run in either the rubber to ice and street studs tires. The basic classes in ice racing are the rubber to ice classes. These classes can only run on winter tires that do not have studs. They are winter tires that are basically purchased at regular retailers. These tires can be tractionized. What this means is that the surface of the tire is roughed up by a special machine that gives the tire greater grip. Participants can also use a street stud tire. These tires are made by the same manufacturers as regular winter tires but have a stud added in the tread. The stud helps to provide the tire with consistent traction.
Ice racing is a battle between traction and speed. It is exactly what it sounds like. A track is plowed until there are large snowbanks on each side. The track is then flooded with water until a hard layer of ice builds up and the fun begins. In the past ice racing was held on frozen lakes but today the Minden Fairgrounds, Minden Ontario are host to Ontario’s ice racing events. Events are scheduled between January and March, depending on the weather conditions.
Considered to be a less expensive motorsport event, ice racing is a great opportunity to improve your driving skills and adapt what you learn to your everyday winter driving. Anyone can participate with some necessary requirements. There are three basic classes of vehicles permitted for ice racing. They are:
In order to compete in ice racing in Ontario you must become a member of a CASC Ontario Region affiliated club such as PMSC – we can guide you through the process of obtaining a CASC-OR competition licence – a “C” licence. PMSC is a great source of information and PMSC can help you to get involved in this fun winter driving series!