Slippery conditions

Underwood Lions sponsor winter ice racing

By Susan Larson | The Daily Journal

Published Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Every Sunday at 12:30 p.m. — as long as the ice holds — Bass Lake is the home of Underwood Lions ice racing. Think of it as stock car racing on a sheet of glass.

The races have been a tradition for about 22 years. On a half-mile ice oval located on Bass Lake on the northwest edge of Underwood, drivers vie to be number one. Along the way they get crunched and run into the snow that banks the track. But this is Minnesota, and that’s just part of the fun.

Don Stewart, Clitherall, has been an ice racer for about five years.

“It’s something to do on a Sunday,” he said.

Stewart’s technique is less than scientific.

“I just go around the track and hope to make it,” he said. “The challenge is to keep on the track and not be last.”

“It’s cheaper (than regular stock car racing),” said Frank Vogel, Underwood Lions member, race committee member and racer. “The highest priced item are the tires. They have to be new and they have to be really, really good.”

Tire hardness is inspected before each race and must meet specifications. Tire chains are not allowed on the ice.

Ron Gunderson, Underwood, enjoys traditional stock car and ice racing. He tries not to miss a Sunday on Bass Lake.

“This (ice) would be more fun to participate in,” he said. “There’s a lot more action.”

Five classes of racing are available:

• Big Kids class — men and women age 17 and over.

• Junior class —13 to 16 year olds. Racers must be accompanied by an adult. Racers have the option to run their own gas and break or have the accompanying adult run them.

• Kids class — for kids 12 years of age and under (parents’ discretion). Kids run the steering wheel while an adult runs the gas and break.

• Three-person class is a team of three adults (age 16 and over). One team member steers, another team member runs the gas and break while the other team member rides in an opponent’s car as an observer, ensuring the rules are being followed.

• Powder puff — racing for adult women.

Racing season usually starts in January, Vogel said, “But this year the ice was slow in coming.” Ice is checked constantly for thickness and stability. It has to be between 16 and 18 inches.

There is no admission to watch the races, “But we hope people will patronize the Lions concession stand,” Vogel said.

For more information on the races, call Vogel, 826-6886; Jim Hecker, 864-8364; John Bohn, 736-4266; Mary Kubbitz, 495-3102; Tom Hecker, 864-8911; or Gary Ackley, 864-3033.