I have one problem in my life (and ONLY one problem, don't talk about the Other Thing), and that is that I both don't have an ice-racing race car, nor do I live near an ice racing track, and also, it is winter. But I just heard about ice karting, and now it is all I want to do forever and ever into eternity.
Alright, so technically that is three problems, but they all have the same solution. And really, I can't imagine I'm the only person with that problem right now. The heavy, wet snows of winter and the crusty ice glaze that encroach upon vast stretches of the northern hemisphere tend to put a damper on most racing for months at a time.
Unless, you know, you're one of those nutters with a spare car to potentially destroy while rallying or ice racing or somesuch, in which case, I envy you, your life decisions, and probably your SAT score.
But in a magical land known only as "Europe," there appears to be a better way. And that way is ice karting.
I mean, yes, that way is also glorious alpine ice racing, the likes of which the hosts of Top Gear got to experience, but ice karting seems to be the way for the rest of us, who don't happen to have a spare four-wheel-drive, four-wheel-steering, windshield-wiper-on-the-side stripped out racer lying around.
The premise of ice karting is pretty simple, and similar to regular karting. Grab a racing kart, either gas or electric, slap on some studded tires, and let hell unleash upon a course laid out on what looks to be an ice hockey rink.
All in all, it looks perfect. And it looks to cost just a few euros a run.
For anyone looking to just dip their toes into the deep freeze that is ice racing, I can't think of a better introduction.
Of course, because this is reality and not just the fantasy that I dream of everyday, it looks like most ice karting locations are only in Europe. Which is a damn shame.
Won't somebody think of the Americans?
Photo credit: Skidôme Terneuzen