Motorcycle racing at breakneck speeds is thrilling, but add a layer of ice and the consequences are predictable. The Cambria County War Memorial Arena will be transformed to accommodate riders of the 36th annual World Championship Ice Racing Series at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4.
Brent Densford, president of the Myrtle Beach, S.C.-based International Championship Events (I.C.E.), will bring the thrill sport to Johnstown and crown the series’ champions in the final race of the season.“Ending the season in Johns-town is nice because it has become a great place for us to race, and the fans are enthusiastic,” Densford said. “We have some loyal motor heads in Johnstown, and we hope to keep coming back.”
The event is billed as the greatest spectacle on ice as the safety glass that normally surrounds the hockey rink will be removed and padding added to the corners and along the boards.
“The first thing that has to be done is an additional 3 inches of ice will have to be made to accommodate the racing machines, which have thousands of razor-sharp studs in the tires,” Densford said.
Metal screws are drilled into the specialized rubber tires to provide traction on the ice. “These modified machines can achieve speeds of up to 60 mph, which is a formula for exciting action,” he said.
Between 40 and 50 of the world’s top professional ice racers will compete for the national championships in manufacturers’ World Cup motorcycles and four-wheel all-terrain vehicles (quads).“We will award the championship trophies to the two riders who have compiled the season’s most points,” Densford said.
During the event, riders will sprint around the arena on modified motorcycles and four-wheelers that consist of heats to earn the right to race in the final. The bikes are typically 450cc, four-stroke engines that can be found on most showroom models, but riders are notorious for modifying the engines and suspensions and turning them into high-performance machines. Among those on the ice will be two Indiana County residents who are veterans of the racing circuit – Mark Blystone of Indiana and Jason Fisher of Black Lick.
“This is their second year racing with us, and they will be in Johnstown for the event,” Densford said. Ice is more dangerous than dirt because the surface can be unpredictable at times.
Tickets are available at the box office from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays; Ticketmaster outlets; by phone at (800) 745-3000 ; or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com. Prices for advance tickets are $7 for children and $17 for adults. Advanced VIP tickets are $27. Tickets will cost $2 more at the door.
Read more: http://tribune-democrat.com/events/x1296865351/Ice-racing-sliding-into-War-Memorial
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