Mark Your Calendars for the Thrilling Event on February 8-10!
If you have a passion for drifting old-school vehicles and high-end sports cars on frosty tracks, then Colorado is the place to be this weekend. The inaugural North American F.A.T. Ice Race in Aspen promises an exhilarating experience.
The event, which has previously taken place in Austria, is a tribute to the rich history and culture of automobiles. It will feature an impressive display of some of the most exceptional vehicles from around the globe. However, this is not your typical formal concourse event. Instead, the participating vehicles will engage in fierce competition on a snow-covered race track, truly embodying the energy and thrill of the motorsport era of the 1980s and 1990s.
What vehicles can we anticipate to witness? First and foremost, the astounding Hoonipigasus Porsche 911 will make an appearance and is bound to give the other competitors a tough challenge with its impressive 1,400-horsepower mid-engine arrangement. Originally designed by Ken Block to conquer Pikes Peak, the iconic Hoonipigasus fell short of the feat until it was taken up to the peak in memory of Block by his daughter Lia.
The upcoming event is set to be led by Betim Berisha, proprietor of BBI motorsport. BBI motorsport, known for their expertise in Porsche vehicles, played an integral role in the development and construction of Hoonipigasus. As an esteemed partner of the event, a number of Porsche cars will be featured. Notably, the esteemed Porsche 911 GT1 racer will make an appearance, having achieved a triumphant 1-2 finish at Le Mans in 1998.
Patrick Long is set to participate in his very own Porsche 914-6 Safari. Driven by his passion for driving on any terrain, Long has joined forces with Gunmar Racing, Mobil 1, and Hot Wheels to bring to life a full-size die-cast car. This unique vehicle boasts a powerful six-cylinder engine, borrowed from a 911T, and a lightweight fiberglass body, making it a formidable contender on the snowy roads.Long’s love for driving knows no bounds, as evidenced by his involvement in this project. He has long been fascinated by the thrill of driving, regardless of the surface, and his partnership with renowned names in the automotive industry reflects this. Furthermore, with his expertise behind the wheel and the exceptional team supporting him, Long’s Porsche 914-6 Safari is bound to leave a mark on the snowy tracks.The idea of creating a life-sized version of a Hot Wheels car may seem like a far-fetched dream, but Long and his team have successfully turned it into a reality. The classic design of the Porsche 914-6 has been given a modern twist, with the addition of a powerful six-cylinder engine and a lightweight fiberglass shell. This combination makes it a force to be reckoned with on the icy terrains
For many years, Long has had a renowned career in racing, serving as a factory racer for Porsche. He has achieved great success at both Le Mans and the Rolex 24 at Daytona, making it a tough competition for his fellow racers.
For those well-versed in the world of Pikes Peak participants, there is a buzz surrounding ‘Lucy,’ a Porsche GT3 TurboCup vehicle that garnered attention at the hillclimb event in 2019. This year, it will once again hit the track with Loni Unser behind the wheel, a skilled race car driver sponsored by Mobil 1.
For those who have an affinity for Japanese automobiles, you’ll be delighted to discover that Ryan Tuerck will be in attendance with both his magnificent V10-powered Supra and his Toyota Stout pickup. In stark contrast to a typical street-worthy Supra, Tuerck’s FormulaSupra is equipped with a 4.0-liter V10 engine sourced from F1, generating an impressive 750 horsepower. Meanwhile, the Stout pickup boasts a strength of 650 horses and excels at drifting.
Tuerck, a skilled drifter known for his entertaining YouTube videos and strong performances in Formula Drift Competitions, will be taking part in the upcoming Ice Race event. His mastery of drifting has propelled him to fame and solidified his status as a virtuoso behind the wheel.
A Toyota GR86 Cup car from the GR Cup Series will also showcase its abilities in Aspen. These cars boast numerous alterations, such as enhanced suspension, a six-speed sequential gearbox, adjustable dampers, a unique exhaust system, and Alcon braking system, alongside other enhancements.
Chris Forsberg is a prominent name in the world of motorsports. Just like Tuerck, he began his career in Formula Drift and has won the championship three times. He is most recognized for driving a Nissan 370Z in off-road races. However, in the upcoming Ice Race, he will be competing with a newly modified Nissan Z as a tribute to the iconic 240Z that claimed victory in the East African Rally.
The Tommy Pike Customs team has brought the Safari Z to life, boasting enhanced performance features such as the KW Safari suspension, a two-inch lift kit, and top-of-the-line Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 tires. In addition, significant upgrades have been made to the 3.0-liter engine, including the addition of a Nismo Track cat-back exhaust system, cold air intake, and other modifications.
The latest additions to the automobile market are the recently launched Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray and the updated Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. It will be intriguing to witness how these two models, especially the rear-wheel drive Cadillac, handle snow-covered roads. There is much more excitement in store for us, eagerly anticipating catching a glimpse of them in action on the race track.
In addition to the drivers previously mentioned, Joe Scarbo and Jade Avedisan are set to make an appearance. Scarbo, formerly an engineer, transitioned into a Mobil 1 race car driver following a successful career in the aerospace industry. Meanwhile, Avedisan has been involved in racing since the young age of 17, and her remarkable abilities continue to garner attention.
A grand total of fifty automobiles will partake in timed or practice runs during the two race days. The drivers who secure the top 15 fastest times will engage in a thrilling showdown-style competition. Spectators can also anticipate various social gatherings and celebrations throughout the event. However, it is important to note that tickets may carry a hefty price tag. VIP passes for Race Day 1 and Race Day 2 are priced at $1,911 each, while a weekend pass will cost you $7,180.
