Minden ice racing marks 50 years of winter speed and community spirit

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

HALIBURTON/SCUGOG: One of Ontario’s most distinctive winter motorsports traditions is preparing to celebrate a major milestone. Ice racing in Minden will mark its 50th anniversary, during the 2026 season, celebrating five decades of competition, camaraderie, and cold-weather thrills.

The roots of Minden ice racing stretch back to the mid-1970s, when races were first held on frozen swampland. By the late 1970s, the event found a permanent home at the Minden Fairground. Today, the fairground stands as one of the few dryland ice racing tracks still operating in Canada, hosting official competition, sanctioned by the Canadian Automobile Sport Clubs (CASC).

Each winter, the season typically spans six weekends, with strong participation throughout. According to organizers, there are usually around 60 racers competing, each weekend, drawing drivers and fans from across the region.

For competitors, like Blackstock resident Dustin Brown, ice racing is as much about the community as it is about the racing itself. Mr. Brown was introduced to the sport, more than 10 years ago, as a passenger, and never looked back.

“I came as a passenger, more than 10 years ago, and I was hooked,” Mr. Brown said. “It is such a great community, and, if anyone ever needs help, there’s no shortage of [people] coming with tools, knowledge, helping hands and anything else you might need to get back on the track.”

Mr. Brown said, the experience of racing on ice is difficult to put into words.

“It’s hard to describe the feeling when you are sliding through the corner, three-wide, on ice,” he said. “We have a ton of fun every winter. There have been a lot of races where I am laughing most of the time, having a great time.”

The sport is also known for its accessibility. Mr. Brown noted, he spent roughly $1,000, all-in, to purchase his back-to-back championship-winning car. He’ll be aiming for a three-peat, during the 2026 anniversary season. The races are open to anyone who meets safety requirements. Rules and registration details are available at casc.on.ca.

Preparation for the season included a pre-tech weekend, held January 17th and 18th. CASC representatives will be on hand throughout both days to inspect vehicles. Safety checks take approximately 30 minutes per car.

“Officials make sure there’s no loose plastic on the car, so, the track doesn’t get littered, if there’s a collision,” Mr. Brown said. “Cars also need: proper number boards; a rear-facing light, visible through snow dust; and working brake lights. Seatbelts, battery security, and other key mechanical parts are checked as well.”

Behind the scenes, volunteers are essential to keeping the event running smoothly. Elaine Willis, CASC ice racing director, said, additional help is needed for the upcoming season.

CASC is currently seeking corner marshals and flaggers, grid crew and pit marshals, scrutineers and tech inspectors, timekeepers, stewards, and administrators to assist with registration. Ms. Willis noted, no prior experience is required.

“People just need to be willing to help and learn on the job,” she said. Those interested in volunteering can contact iceracedir@gmail.com, for more information.

As Minden ice racing heads into its 50th year, in 2026, the event continues to reflect the grassroots spirit which started on frozen ground, half a century ago. The sport blends speed, affordability, and a strong sense of community which keeps winter racing alive in the heart of Haliburton County.