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Just letting it slide: Motorcycle racing on ice
BILL PETRO FOR THE TORONTO STAR
Canadian Aaron Hesmer squeezes past a crashing Shawn McConnell in the qualifiers.
An enthusiastic crowd came out to the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium last weekend to watch the exciting action of Speedway motorcycles and ATVs racing on the ice.
(To watch a photo gallery of the action, click here)
This odd looking motorcycle is powered by a single cylinder 500 cc motor using only one gear and capable of going zero to 100 km/h in less than three seconds. And it doesn't have any brakes.
More than 800 metal studs are added to each tire to give traction on the extra thick ice surface. With no brakes, the competitors power-slide their machines sideways through the corners to slow down and maintain control.
About 20 riders compete in this 16-race series, which travels across North America.
Four riders at a time race a series of four-lap qualifiers to determine the six riders who'll compete in the six-lap final.
The pace is fast – the only break is when the Zamboni comes out to clear the chewed-up ice.
Last weekend, Kelly Kerrigan from Vallejo, Calif., won the main event ahead of Charlie Venegas and Shawn McConnell, both also from California.
For more info, check out the Extreme International Ice Racing website: www.xiir.com
–Bill Petro
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