When we heard of an ice-racing feature, our first thoughts were of crazy Colorado guys with spikes sticking out of their tires Mad Max style. And while these Canadian guys and gals are just as crazy, the spikes were only in the quad and bike classes. We're talking about the Challenge Sur Glace Continental at Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada. Held every February since 1999, the event comes over from Chamonix, France, where we, having driven those mountain roads in the winter oursleves, figure they are even crazier. Continental Tire is the title sponsor of the event, and they hosted us at the event while giving us some winter driving tips.
The Challenge is held during Carnaval in Sherwood, a local event that offers ice climbing, snow sculptures, skiing, and other winter sports. But the main attraction of their four-day affair is the ice racing, with world-renowned champions competing in this small village outside Quebec. If you're in the area or want to see some full-on nutso racing, check it out at www.challengecanada.com.
 When there's nothing but ice...  When there's nothing but ice under your tires, traction is a limiting factor. Of course these guys are using Continental snow tires, which perform very different from all-season tires. These tires grip in places where even walking is hazardous. |  Not exactly street-legal,...  Not exactly street-legal, but this is the norm for quads on ice. Luckily the track gets groomed with ice, snow, and a grader every so often so the studs don't chew down to "terra somewhat firma." |  Sure enough, the Canucks will...  Sure enough, the Canucks will race anything. Of course this is probably the first thing farmers raced at Sherwood, long before cars were around. They just don't have the same sort of action, though. |
 The quads seem to outgun the...  The quads seem to outgun the cars in the speed department, and pulling wheelies out of every corner is common as well. We're figuring they don't get very cold with all that effort going on during the race. |  The bikes get even rowdier,...  The bikes get even rowdier, with a scrambling start and all of them vying for position on the first turn. They also run studs on the tires for more grip on the super-slick surface. |  Magnificent snow and ice sculptures...  Magnificent snow and ice sculptures adorn the nearby park. There are even rolling fields of snow for the local artists and youngsters to make their own effort. |
 The capacity crowds love a...  The capacity crowds love a little showboating action. Victory wheelies without helmets seem a little crazy, but then driving around with spikes in your tires isn't normal either. |  Setting up for the corners...  Setting up for the corners is a flea-flicker affair. One goes purposely sideways in front of the other, making for great action. |  Crazy Canadians in the parking...  Crazy Canadians in the parking lot made us wonder as well. We loved how he was directing traffic from on high, and wondered if he was. Check out the traffic-cone ear muffs. |