Boston BMW 2009 Ice Racing Registration Now Open

[LordBass]

Pre-registration for the 2009 ice racing series on Newfound Lake, NH is now open. First even may be as soon as Sunday January 25:

http://www.boston-bmwcca.org/events/ultimate-calendarView.aspx?EventID=413

Pre-reg is free. Race days are cheap. Excellent group to run with. Very relaxed. I've been to the lake once [2006] and had a great time. Apparently deep snow in 2008 made the run days less fun.

This series is good for new folks interested in a low-impact driving event that does not require advanced car prep. Seat time is usually very high.

[Service@ExeterSubaru]

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!!!

[Robk0000]

i will b there.

[Murphy2012]

You racing Rob? I dont know whether or not I want to, but either way, I am going.

[Robk0000]

maybe...

[TurboRush]

Please let me know a date you sign up for and I am in

[mdungelman]

I'd say those interested should pre-register on BMW CCA's site. Once pre-registered for the ice racing series, they'll notify of events through email. Took me 5 minutes to sign up. Thanks LordBass for posting this up!

[Evoeater]

Wow I need to jump on this motor build to make it to one of these!!

[LordBass]

1. You most definitely need to pre-register. It is often not known if race days will happen down to the night before [based on ice conditions], and they notify a yay or nay by email.
2. If you go, you should run! Precision & competitiveness do not matter here. Whatever car you run doesn't matter. Only fun. And dress warm.
3. I've only done this on 98% glare ice so far, but it was so really great.

[Robk0000]

i get the emails alll the ime from bmwcca so i think im a member? im going to prereg just incase i do decide to race.

[LordBass]

I think BMWCCA costs $$, probably annually. You could be getting email but not be a member.

Ice racing pre-reg is annual.

[TurboRush]

ya ya... I pre-reg'd... I am pumped to try this

[Jon]

Just preregistered!

[Jon]

what date(s) do we want to shoot for?

[Robk0000]

i believe the first event is being held on the 25th of this month. Im planning on going to this one.

[LordBass]

You kind of have to plan for every Sunday for this. They often don't know if conditions are good enough until the day before. But with it being -15 this morning there should be plenty of ice next week. :)

[Robk0000]

-- Boston Chapter Ice Racing Bulletin for January 16, 2009 --


We will NOT be Ice Racing on Sunday, January 18th. But we are looking very good for the 25th! If you missed this information the first time around, please read below:


Ice Races are always tentative events with a fluctuating schedule, so PLEASE Pre-Register now so you don't miss out on upcoming event details!:
http://www.boston-bmwcca.org/EventDescription/2009/ice-racing.aspx

[TurboRush]

Damn.. I'll be in Florida the 25th, hopefully there will be and I can make the next one.

[mdungelman]

The 25th it is! The nice thing is that it'll be more of a snow course than a glare ice course. Lots of snow out on the lakes right about now.

"So I got that going for me...which is nice."

[Jon]

can't wait! who else is going to be there?

[mdungelman]

Murph, Rob, and TurboRush: Pre-Registered?

[Robk0000]

i think so, i registered for something on the site, it didnt give any details though.

[mdungelman]

Might be a good idea to enter vehicle information to make it easier the days we go.

[Murphy2012]

Havent preregistered, not 100% sure I am going yet.

[Jon]

i preregistered the other day so i'm all set.

[Jon]

Golfa is going up too, we should meet up and drive up together

[TurboRush]

I'll def be at the next one after the 25th.

[LordBass]

No ice racing on 1/25:

I am sorry to say that we will NOT be Ice Racing on Sunday, January 25th. Unfortunately, we are just short (thin?) of enough ice, and there is a fair bit of snow insulating it at this time. We are going to check around the lake to see if there is enough ice anywhere else. Keep your fingers crossed for a Super Bowl Sunday Ice Race!

Ice Races are tentative events with a fluctuating schedule so always check the Ice Racing Bulletin in your e-mail or on the Boston Chapter BMW CCA website before heading to an event. Use the dropdown menu to select the Ice Racing Bullletin:
http://www.boston-bmwcca.org/events/Past_Email_Bulletins.aspx

Also, please be certain to Pre-Register before attending an event:
http://www.boston-bmwcca.org/EventDescription/2009/ice-racing.aspx

[mdungelman]

I was just coming to post this information. Damn you're quick. I don't think I'll be racing Superbowl Sunday, even if there is an event planned.

[LordBass]

I probably won't be there for 2/1 either. Should be able to the following week.

[Jon]

I'll be there, i could care less about this super bowl. I HATE the stealers and have no idea who the other team is. Once the pats lost it, i stop watching...

[Murphy2012]

Thats ok...thats what we call pseudo fans....:D Not sure I am going to get into ice racing. Maybe watching, but I think my car is all set with that. I can just imagine, no grip, full boost 300 hp, full grip, snap....

[Jon]

Grip without studded ice tires is going to be unheard of. I wouldn't worry about that. It's going to be fun as hell! You can drive my pos if you want.

[Robk0000]

just go sideways, eventually you will make it around the turn and dont go to fast.

[biezer von bimmerhead]

I think BMWCCA costs $$, probably annually. You could be getting email but not be a member.

Ice racing pre-reg is annual.

BMWCCA has yearly dues. I was a member for 15 years....but finally quit after being bimmerless for the last few years. Membership is now up to about $45-50 per year.

[Bu11dogg2]

I'd to go watch this

[Murphy2012]

Its only about 40 min from my place Randy if you want to come up the night before and tip some more back.

[Jon]

so how much is it to go ice racing?

[Robk0000]

$20 or $30, not much.

[mdungelman]

$20 for non-BMWCCA members, $15 for members.

[Jon]

sweet 20 bucks it is

[TurboRush]

Hoping this weekend ain't a bust

[mdungelman]

Gonna be a lot of snow out there. I have to assume they plow a course. Anybody know?

[legacygt]

I just signed up.. hope to see you all there.

[TurboRush]

Gonna be a lot of snow out there. I have to assume they plow a course. Anybody know?

If not, I hope to lodge the wagon in a 6ft snow drift.... bring your tow straps... :lol:

[Robk0000]

they usually plow the main course, but there are banks on the side. Some places leave them so you dont get lost or wander off into thin ice, but i think they just plow the main course at newfoudn.

[Murphy2012]

Hmmm...anything against spectators?

[mdungelman]

I don't shink sho.

[LordBass]

No ice racing on Feb 1:

I am sorry to say that we will NOT be Ice Racing on Sunday, February 1st.

The situation is really hard to believe. Our primary Ice Racing location is now on the part of Newfound Lake that freezes first, with the area that freezes last as our first alternative. If snow comes when is typical, our primary location *should* already have enough ice. If snow comes early, our alternate location *shouldn't* become insulated with snow (it would still be open water). Somehow, despite the brutally cold weather, and very surprising to us, we did not get quite enough ice before the snow came. But, it was cold enough to freeze the entire lake. It is rather unlikely that any other lake in the area would have ice any thicker, so our venue is not the problem. This means we have a difficult situation. While I do expect that conditions will change at some point this winter, I can't say that I am particularly optimistic for February 8th. If I receive better news regarding the ice thickness tomorrow, I'll pass it on by the weekend.

[TurboRush]

:(

[LordBass]

No ice racing Sunday 2/8. Shame, the predicted warm temps would make for a pleasant day.

I wish I had better news, but while the ice is thick enough, we simply have too much snow on the ice. Even if we could find a way to plow it, other issues tend to arise with this much snow. We will NOT be Ice Racing on Sunday, February 8th. Stay tuned to the Ice Racing Bulletin, as the weather and conditions will change!

[mdungelman]

Too much snow = Bad Thing.

[Jon]

that sucks

[LordBass]

Better news this week, but it's not on yet.

It appears that we will need to have someone with medical training at each Ice Racing event this year. A doctor, EMT, nurse -- it is not clear what qualifications are necessary. If you believe that you might have the requisite training, and are expecting to attend an Ice Race ANYTIME this season, please contact me immediately. Ideally, we will have 2-3 people that expect (but don't guarantee) they will be in attendance at each Ice Race (likely different people at each event). Your duties will be zero, unless we experience our first ever medical situation at an Ice Race ...


How conditions change so quickly! There has been just enough warm weather (if you can call above freezing warm) and sun, combined with the water under the snow to significantly settle the snowpack on the lake. More warm weather and freezing rain is predicted over the next day or two. If it all settles/melts down, it will then re-freeze solid as soon as it is cold. At this point, we feel there is a 50/50 chance that this will happen in time to hold an Ice Race on Sunday, February 15th!

[joel21wolter]

sounds fun i just registered

[xxthat girlxx]

I'll be attending. Haven't decided if it's to spectate or to drive. :)

[mdungelman]

Lets see...um...you've got a subaru, and you enjoy driving it. Why spectate when it costs $20 to go play. You know you want to.

[Robk0000]

im doin it.

[joel21wolter]

you think it willbe good this sunday?

[Robk0000]

it was slushy on winni on Sunday, nefound is shallower and smaller so it dries faster. But, with the weather we are having i would say no. Same as last year, no events :(

[LordBass]

No ice racing 2/15. Looking better for 2/22.

The sun, warmish temperatures, and some rain has melted down most of the snow. However, it now needs to freeze up solid, and it is simply too close for us to prepare properly for this weekend. We have to be out on the ice by tomorrow or Saturday the very latest with vehicles. Currently, there is up to 4 inches of water on top of the ice that we are waiting to see freeze up, and there are some areas of wet snow 7 inches deep that we will probably have to plow (unless we can avoid those areas). This is certainly not going to happen by tomorrow, and Saturday is cutting it too close under the circumstances (it is likely it may not be solid enough by Saturday anyway). Particularly because it is our first event, with personnel from the local police and fire departments likely to stop by, we have to be fully prepared sooner than we otherwise might.

Therefore, we will NOT be Ice Racing on Sunday, February 15th.
However, we feel strongly that things look very good for the 22nd!

[LordBass]

Possible ice race Sunday 2/21, but does not seem likely:

We seem to be running the gamut this year, having to cross every possible hindrance to Ice Racing! First we didn't have enough ice when we thought we should, then we had too much snow. Now we have ice that is much too rough and bumpy over most of the lake. At the Ledges Condominiums, the ice is smooth enough, but a ridge of ice has pushed up onto shore. If the plowtruck can break up that ice ridge, and we can iron things out with the Ledges Condominium Association, we may be able to run there on Sunday, February 22nd. Stay tuned and read below!

In the past I have spent considerable hours with a sledgehammer cutting through such an ice ridge. Unfortunately, that is not an option this year. If anyone is interested in tackling that job, you may contact me. Recognize that in order for it to be helpful this weekend, it would have to be done tomorrow. Doing it this weekend might help for next weekend, if the plowtruck is unable to do the job.

For those that have Pre-Registered without providing complete vehicle or tire information, I urge you to log in at the website and update your information. If you filled in "Blizzak" instead of "Blizzak WS-50" for example, not only do you individually take up an extra 5-15 minutes of my time, but you may end up being Classed incorrectly or being REQUIRED TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL FEE at the event. In order for me to Class everyone appropriately, I need complete and accurate vehicle, tire, and driver information. I do understand that you may truly not know some of the information, but if the answer is available to you, please provide it to me -- the car being outside in the dark, or in the shop is NOT an excuse. Also NOTE that I will be LOCKING the system soon, at which point you will no longer be able to correct your erroneous ways ... Thanks!

[LordBass]

Better luck next week.

I have little doubt that I sound like a broken record playing a new song each week ... We will NOT be Ice Racing this Sunday, February 22nd. The fresh snow that fell last night was 8-9 inches of very heavy, wet snow. As a result, it is very difficult to plow, and is highly likely to bring water in on top of the ice if plowed. Conceivably, with extreme efforts, we could be prepared for this Sunday, but there is a very high risk that the effort would be a waste, AND that it would ruin the only area available for us to run in the next few weeks.

Mother Nature is constantly throwing curveballs at us, but we truly believe that there is a high likelihood of being able to run on Sunday, March 1st. Much of the moisture in that wet snow should evaporate out over the next few days, at which point we can plow much more easily and without watery side affects (note that water flowing on top of the ice under the snow is NOT a safety issue, it is just an event operational issue). Please keep in mind that we have three very viable weekends left, a less likely fourth weekend, and a long shot fifth weekend. Historically over the years more recently, late February and early March in particular have been good times for Ice Racing.

[LordBass]

Looking good for this Sunday!

Oh ye of little faith! We expect to be Ice Racing this Sunday, March 1st! We are rarely ever completely definitive before Saturday morning, so watch for the Saturday Bulletin to be certain. However, it is looking very, very good! PLEASE take note of the very IMPORTANT messages below!

We will be Ice Racing at the Ledges Condominiums. Use the "Directions to the OLD traditional Newfound Lake Site"!!!
DON'T go to Newfound Grocery!
http://www.boston-bmwcca.org/eventdescription/2009/ice-racing-newfound.aspx

For those that have Pre-Registered without providing complete vehicle or tire information, I urge you to log in at the website and update your information. If you filled in "Blizzak" instead of "Blizzak WS-50" for example, not only do you individually take up an extra 5-15 minutes of my time, but you may end up being Classed incorrectly or being REQUIRED TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL FEE at the event. In order for me to Class everyone appropriately, I need complete and accurate vehicle, tire, and driver information. I do understand that you may truly not know some of the information, but if the answer is available to you, please provide it to me -- the car being outside in the dark, or in the shop is NOT an excuse. Also NOTE that I will be LOCKING the system on Friday, at which point you will no longer be able to correct your erroneous ways ... Thanks!

[TurboRush]

I'll be there on Sunday

[TurboRush]

Anybody else going to this?

[LordBass]

I'm not going to be able to make it. :(

[TurboRush]

damn, I want familiar faces that have done it before there... or at least someone that is as clueless about the whole process as me

[LordBass]

It's all *very* easy. I went without knowing what I was doing. Do the preregister, leave early, follow their directions & check in at the condos, leave space on the ice between the cars, dress in layers, bring food, maybe one of those markers to write your number on the window. I mean there's nothing to it. No need to walk the course - it's much easier than being a 1st timer at an autocross, and the group is very relaxed.

[TurboRush]

I endevour to get up and go to this

[LordBass]

Sunday is on.

We are a go!!! We will be Ice Racing on Sunday, March 1st!! See the CRITICAL details regarding location below!


We will be Ice Racing at the Ledges Condominiums. Use the "Directions to the OLD traditional Newfound Lake Site"!!!
DON'T go to Newfound Grocery!
http://www.boston-bmwcca.org/eventdescription/2009/ice-racing-newfound.aspx

[Jon]

yea and it's going to snow here so i don't think i can go up. boooooooooooo

[25rSTI]

couldnt make it, like to see some pics/videos though

[joel21wolter]

how did it go?

[TurboRush]

Getting trashed the night before and forgetting to set your alarm FTL.

This weekend I'll be more diligent if they race.

[Bu11dogg2]

there's not enough money in the world that could get me to drive my car on a frozen lake.

[joel21wolter]

why? afraid to break through or hit something? or the abuse? or all of them? I have seen huge Backhoes plowing lakes before for hockey so i think a small car would be fine

[LordBass]

In 20+ years, the people that run this event have never lost a car through the ice. And unless you act dumb and blaze into an icy snowbank, you won't damage your car. In general this is much less abusive to the car than an autocross.

[LordBass]

The 3/8 event has been cancelled:

i'm really sorry to be saying this so late, but the Ice Race scheduled for Sunday, March 7th has been POSTPONED. We have 1-2 inches of water on the ice, and the warm temperatures have made the surface of the ice soft. If we ran an event, not only would you be hydroplaning as well hydrolocking (the water literally holds the car back), but we would clearly end up with large potholes all over the course. It simply would be no fun. More rain is forecast for tonight, only making the prospect worse.

This week it will be getting cold again, so we definitely hope that things will firm back up for the 15th. The 15th is usually a reasonably solid date for us, so watch for this week's Bulletin. Again, I am sorry for the late notice, but things got worse as the day progressed.

See you on the ice!

[Jon]

i was really looking forward to going up today. Maybe by next weekend it'll firm back up and be nice

[LordBass]

Last ice race of the season, Sunday 3/15. Will be warm and probably a great day out there. I won't be able to make this one either. :(

It looks like it will be on the warm side on Sunday, but the very cold nights have kept the ice frozen, so we'll be holding our second Ice Race of the year tomorrow, Sunday March 15! This will be the Parker Spooner Memorial Ice Race. Parker Spooner was instrumental to the Boston Chapter, and we hold this event in his honor in order to raise additional funds for our donations to the Lahey Clinic in Massachusetts and the Thompson-Tapply Community Center in Bristol, NH. We do charge an additional $5 per entry at this event, but the money is for a good cause. Please come out on Sunday, as it may well be our last event of the season!

Also, see the CRITICAL details below!

EXPECT to pay an additional registration fee if you are not properly Pre-Registered this week.
EXPECT to pay a late fee if you are late this week.

We will be Ice Racing at the Ledges Condominiums. Use the "Directions to the OLD traditional Newfound Lake Site"!!!
DON'T go to Newfound Grocery!
http://www.boston-bmwcca.org/eventdescription/2009/ice-racing-newfound.aspx

[Jon]

I'm headed up tomorrow. Anyone else?

[TurboRush]

I'm headed up tomorrow. Anyone else?

Damn, wish I knew you were going earlier, I would have made plans to go.

[Jon]

soooooooooo much fun! I'll get the pictures and video up as soon as i can

[Jon]

check ou the member gallery to see some pics

[Jon]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwxB4MeQV9Y

[LordBass]

Awesome! Perfect conditions.

[LordBass]

No ice race this weekend. One last chance for next weekend. I'm jealous of those that ran last week - it looked perfect.

The weather has not cooperated this week, so there will NOT be an Ice Race on Sunday, March 22nd. March 15th's event was awesome, with 7 runs per entrant!! I'm sorry if you missed it! Thanks to all that came for making the Parker Spooner Memorial Ice Race of 2009 such a success! This likely is the end of the Ice Racing season for 2009. However, we will monitor the weather on the uncommon chance that a real cold spell comes in and freezes things back up for next weekend.

Thanks,

Stan

[Jon]

i was hoping for one more weekend, but it's not lookin good. It's been way too warm.

[LordBass]

Ice racing is done for 2009. Time for Spring!

We have had cold nights, but the days have been too warm and the nights coming up won't be cold enough. Therefore, I regret to inform you all that the 2009 Ice Racing season has come to a close. I'm sorry if you missed it! Thank you to all the Staff and volunteers who made this a great season! Time to think about tarmac, but don't forget the ice for 2010!


See you on the ice next year!

Stan Jackson Jr.
Boston Chapter BMW CCA
Ice Racing Coordinator

[Jon]

can't wait for next year!