Minden Ice Racing

ICE RACING HISTORY

Ice Racing started in Ontario more than 60-years ago, and the Peterborough Motor Sports Club was one of the original organizers of the sport in the mid-1950s. Ice Racing continues as an inexpensive, fun part of the Ontario motorsport scene. The events were originally held on frozen lakes and rivers including, Chemong, Clear, and Bass in Orillia. However, changes in weather patterns resulted in the Ontario championships being moved to more consistent and permanent facilities at the fairgrounds in Minden, Ontario provided by the Minden Kinsmen Club. The one km track is laid out and then repeatedly coated with water until there is a thick layer of ice between the snowbanks that delineate the course. The ice race season starts in mid to late January and runs until early March, usually consisting of six two-day events.

ICE RACE COMPETITION CARS

For competition purposes ice racing cars are divided into classes, all with engines up to 3000cc: RUBBER TO ICERubber-to-ice classes are restricted to un-studded tires. Other than an approved helmet, no other specialized safety equipment is required – the manufacturer’s original three-point safety harness is acceptable. To increase competitor participation and to further reduce the costs, there is also a ‘second driver’ series for each of the rubber-to-ice classes. This allows two drivers to compete for the entire season by sharing one race car.

CLASS 2: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive up to 3000 cc

CLASS 4: Specials, modified, and 4WD, up to 3000cc

SECOND DRIVER CLASSES

CLASS 11: Second driver in Class 1 Cars

CLASS 12: Second driver in Class 2 Cars

CLASS 14: Second driver in Class 4 Cars

STREET STUDS

For drivers who want to go slightly faster, there are Street Stud classes. Essentially these classes conform to the above classes regarding engine location, displacement, and driven wheels, but the regular tires are replaced with studded tires providing close competition while helping maintain Minden’s ice surface. The tires and studs are available through a specialty supplier.

CLASS SS1: Cars conforming to Class 1

CLASS SS2: Cars conforming to Class 2

CLASS SS4: Cars conforming to Class 4

STREET STUD SECOND DRIVER CLASSES

Class SS11: Cars conforming to Class 1

Class SS12: Cars conforming to Class 2

Class SS14: Cars conforming to Class 4

BUYING YOUR ICE RACER

As noted above, any car with an engine capacity of fewer than 3.0 liters is eligible to compete for a Class Championship. It doesn’t matter whether the car is a sedan, coupe, station wagon or small pick-up, equipped with an automatic or standard transmission, front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, just as long as it is mechanically sound – and within your budget.

A competitor can spend as little as $300-$500 on a car, or as much as $5,000 or more. Most ice race cars are older models. The average is about 12-years old but is still mechanically sound.

PREPARATION, MODIFICATION, AND IMPROVEMENTS

For the rubber-to-ice classes, the minimum car preparation would involve the removal of headlights, tail lights and any exterior plastic trim that could break in a collision. Bumpers must be modified so that they cannot ‘hook up’ with another car and cause a crash. The brakes, steering and safety equipment must be in proper working order. Airbags must be removed.

All cars must have a bright running light at the rear and at least one working brake light.

The only somewhat pricey safety equipment a driver is required to buy is a helmet that meets the standards outlined in the CASC Ontario Ice Racing Rules. These rules also provide information on roll bar construction, seat belt anchor points and other modifications should the competitor desire them.

If you wish to improve the car there are many simple things you can do. The most common is to remove as much weight as possible from the car, particularly in the area of the non-driven wheels. This usually involves the removal of the rear seats, all upholstery panels, and anything else that is not necessary for a racing car.

Weight can be added in the area of the driving wheels to improve traction. The amount of weight necessary might be small in the case of a front-wheel-drive car, or as much as four hundred pounds for a rear-wheel-drive car.

Probably the most important element of an ice racing tire. There is a fine balance between the weight carried over the tire, the power transferred, and the coefficient of friction of the contact patch. As the condition of the ice can change from lap to lap, it’s a challenge to get maximum power down while maintaining traction.

In rubber-to-ice classes, the tire surface can be improved by tractioning, a process that mechanically chews up the surface of the tire to improve its grip. Many clubs own a tractioning machine, or you can get it done trackside for a small charge per tire. To stay competitive, the average rubber–to-ice driver spends about $300-$500 a season on tires and/or preparation.

GETTING INVOLVED

To participate in ice racing in Ontario, you must be a member of a CASC Ontario affiliated club. Contact them – they’ll be glad to hear from you. Ask about their club’s philosophy, experience, number of active racing members, and try to attend one of their meetings. Once you’ve identified the club you’d like to join, do so – it will prove to be your biggest source of information and ongoing help as you get started.

A COMPLETE RULEBOOK IS AVAILABLE AT WWW.CASC.ON.CA

Information, tips, and sources are available on the Ice Race Forum on the

CASC website and on Facebook- Ice Racing in Minden.

ICE RACING – How to get involved