Drag Racing on Ice

March 12th, 2025

Who would ever dream of drag racing in the middle of a frozen lake? Much less holding a drag racing event on the same slippery surface? Well, the gearheads in Merril, Wisconsin have been getting down like this for more than 70-years with no end in sight. Shall we tag along with the 1320 crew as they check out some of the cool competitors?

First up is a familiar combo. Competing in the Outlaw and Open-Door Slammer Classes, this pre-war Ford has been upgraded with a twin turbocharged LS motor. It’s capable of making 960whp 1,005 lb.-ft. of toque – and that’s chassis dyno certified. You gotta check out those custom fab snow tires. The car owner installed all those spikes (screws) by hand. It’s a meticulous process that takes approximately 30-hours. I can’t wait to see what kind of traction this thing gets.

For obvious reasons, the action begins with rubber tire cars. There are two-wheel drive entries as well as four-wheel drive entries. Once all the rubber tire cars are out of the way, the spike tire cars hit the ice. These high-powered machines will dig ruts in the ice as deep as a foot. Exactly how thick is this ice again?

Finally, it’s time for the studded tire cars.

Larry’s daughter is out on the lake in her dad’s one-owner, 45k original mile, 1987 Buick Grand National outfitted with studded rubber in the rear. She cuts a clean light but loses traction through the trap. At least she didn’t wad up this pristine Buick GN.

Then there’s an old Mitsubishi Conquest. Remember those? This thing has a massive tire tucked under the rear. He comes out of the hole like he’s racing on a prepped track in the Sunshine State. Conquest FTW! Get it?

Next, the 1320 crew gets a ride along in a 1984 Ford Mustang. This clean Mustang has been upgraded with a 5.3-liter LS motor and an 88-millimeter turbo. This pony car is putting down 1,100whp and has run a best elapsed time of 7.1-seconds @ 115 mph (on ice). Buckle-up!