Ice Racing In Ontario

Ice racing is an event held on a closed circuit with both left and right-hand corners whose track surface is formed by ice. The track is defined by snowbanks on both sides of the track. The track surface may be covered by a few inches of snow. The Magnum Ice Race Championship is run each between January and March at one track, at the Minden Fairgrounds.

The race season is in January and February and is highly dependent on weather. Races are run on Saturday and Sunday and the entry fee is approximately $100 for the two days of racing. Ice racing classes are divided into three categories; studded tires, "street studded" tires, and non-studded tires called "rubber to ice"). There are several classes; grouped by driven wheels (front wheel drive, rear wheel drive or four-wheel drive) and vehicle size. There is also a class for "second drivers", enabling two drivers to share a car and the costs of preparing it. Passengers are allowed to ride in the car during races and when certain requirements are met even minors may be allowed as passengers.

Obtaining a Ice Racing Licence

In order to participate in ice racing in Ontario you must first join BARC (or some other CASC affiliated club).

Then, to go ice racing you must obtain a Regional C license from CASC-OR. This license costs approximately $50 and you will be required to provide proof of your BARC membership to obtain this license. For more information on getting a license, click here. Once you have brought your car to the Minden for the first race, you may store it in the Paddock next to the race track for the duration of the race season. Summer storage for your ice racer may also be available at a quarry near the track for a modest fee courtesy of one of the local competitors. Before your first race you will be required to complete a short written test to confirm that you fully understand the rules and regulations. This is an "open book" test so there is no reason not to pass it provided you can read English! Because the Minden ice racetrack is on public property you will be required to show a valid Provincial or State driving license before your entry is accepted.

Personal Safety Equipment

For all classes driver and passenger must wear a helmet which meets at least the Snell 90M standard. Depending on which of the acceptable helmets you purchase this will cost between $100 and $500 or more. The latest Snell standard available is usually the best one to buy because it will be accepted for longer (a 2000M is good until 2015 while a 2005M is good until 2020). Unless you will also use your helmet for roa racing in the summer (where a helmet meeting a higher standard is required), an M helmet is your best choice. No special clothing is required.

Acquiring a Race Car

BARC and its members may prove to be your best resources for locating a car. Many ice racers are BARC members and ar constantly on the lookout for potential cars, and they will also share with you a wealth of knowledge on which cars are desirable and how to go about preparing them for ice racing. Cars are typically older models (10 years old is a good reference point) which are at the end of their useful life as a street car but are still relatively sound mechanically . Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, VW, Subaru, Ford, Chevy, Hyundai, Volvo, Suzuki, Chrysler, and even Yugo are all makes found in ice racing. New cars are not raced in view of the possibility of damage through contact with snowbanks or other cars. You may expect to pay from $200 to $500 for a car depending on your persistence in searching for a car and your negotiation skills.

Preparing a Race Car For Rubber To Ice

Preparation of the car consists of simple modifications which can be done by virtually anyone in their driveway if necessary. Lights and other trim which could break off the car and become a hazard on the race track must be removed. Additional brake lighting must be installed in the rear window. Bumpers can be fastened more securely to the car. Approved numbers must be added. Work on the engine can be limited to ensuring reliable starting and running and ensuring that the ignition system is waterproof. In an ice racer, smooth running is much more important than having a lot of power. Working wipers are also a must since there can be a lot of snow and slush thrown on the windshield during races. Tires are the most important item in preparation of an ice racer. Tires are "tractionised" to make the tire surface "spongy" and greatly improve traction. The choice of tire depends on your budget and ranges from the least expensive snow tire to high-performance ice tires from major manufacturers such as Toyo, Bridgestone, Goodyear, Pirelli, Nokian and others. Many competitors have tractionising equipment at the track and most are willing to lend it to you for a modest fee.

Street Studs - Between Rubber To Ice and Studs

In 2005, a new class was introduced, Street Studs. Street studs are a less aggressive, shorter stud, and cars in the street stud class are not as highly prepared as full racing stud cars. The street stud class offers consistent traction in comparison to the rubber to ice classes while not requiring a super-powerful motor like the full race stud classes. Participation was up in 2006 and is expected to increase still further in 2007.

Preparing A Race Car For Studs

Cars running in the studded tire classes must use a particular studded tire specified in the rules. Since studded class cars have much more traction than rubber to ice cars, more power is required to be competitive and more work on engine tuning and performance is usually necessary. Studded cars race at significantly higher speeds, so in order to compete in the studded tire classes, four point harnesses and roll cages must be installed. Also, suspension tuning is more important in a studded class car and many competitors change the stock springs and shock absorbers to get better handling from their cars.

For more details on the car preparation rules and the Magnum Ice Race Championship, click here for the 2006 Magnum Ice Racing Series Regulations.