Ice-X car races return to Charlie Lake for 2025

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A treasured staple of the High on Ice Winter Festival returns this weekend with the Ice-X car races.

Hosted by the Peace Region Motorsports Association (PRMA) and FSJ Car Culture, the event features time trials of cars taking laps around the frozen surface of Charlie Lake.

The PRMA’s Clay Sutherland, one of the event’s organizers, joined Bernie Conner-Suen on air at Moose FM on Thursday to talk about the race.

Sutherland serves as a director with the PRMA.

“It’s corners, it’s straightaways,” said Sutherland. “It’s like autocross, but on ice.

“It’s timed. You have to start and you have to finish.”

Sutherland says any car can enter, but the rules state vehicles must be “wider than they are tall”.

“It’s just centre of gravity,” said Sutherland. “You don’t want the car tipping over, especially on ice.”

A new class in 2025 will feature cars with limited competition studs. Sutherland describes the tires as “very grippy”.

“We’re getting more grip than on asphalt on the ice,” explained Sutherland. 

Classes included in the event include street studs, racing studs and side-by-side off-road vehicles. Races will include both front-wheel and all-wheel vehicles.

To enter, a vehicle must be insured, licensed and registered. The entry fee is $60, and spectators can ride along after signing a waiver.

“If you see a car you’re interested in, touch base with that driver,” said Sutherland. “Everyone is happy to show you their vehicle and modifications.”

Sponsors, including HD Northern Equipment Sales and Rentals, Cougar Landscaping Arc-Tec Welding, United Rentals, Graphicsman and AMA Energy Rentals have also volunteered hours and prizes to help organize the event.

 Spectators should arrive around 9 a.m., with a drivers’ meeting at 10 a.m., on February 16th at Charlie Lake. Further information and how to register will be available on PRMA’s Facebook page.