Ice carting: better than in summer

Carting is a popular sport, which has many followers in almost all countries. Yet, sometimes weather conditions may be inconvenient for this type of sport due to snow or ice. To make carting possible even in winter, people invented ice-carting, which is basically carting taking place on the ice surface of rivers and lakes. What peculiarities does this type of carting have? Let us take a detailed look at this discipline.

General information

This sport is available in almost all countries where there is snow in winter. This discipline originated from a hobby and then turned into a competitive sport. Although some people might not be sure whether this outdoor activity is safe, it is actually not more dangerous than driving an ordinary car. Of course, it is necessary to take into account that it is important to follow the safety rules that will be discussed later. Ice-carting takes place on the water surface when it is covered with ice. To take part in this activity, it is necessary to be taller than 140 centimeters, which means that children can try themselves in carting as well as their parents.

Rules

Ice-carting is one of the safest disciplines existing in the world. The risks of being injured are not half as high as in motorcycle trials or any other races. However, it is better to take more precautions than to take less precautions, which is why every person who’s set their heart on ice-carting should follow the following rules:

• When it comes to competitions, all sportsmen must wear protective helmets. Actually, when practicing ice-carting for fun it is also important to wear one. Sometimes the carts can hit each other, or it is possible to fall when turning. Since ice is a relatively hard surface, it is better to prevent your head from hitting it.
• The competitors’ height must be at least 140 centimeters, otherwise it will be hard to operate the vehicle. This means that teenagers can take part in the competitions as well.
• The cart is a vehicle created especially for races, which is why its engine capacity is not too big. Its power should not be less than 12 horsepower. It can reach almost 100 kilometers per hour.

The track

Usually the tracks are 400 to 800 meters long and 8 meters wide. The width is bigger in the turning points: there it can reach 12 meters. There should be some barriers on the sides. Usually they are made of some soft substances such as snow or elastics. The surface is covered with 10 centimeters’ deep ice. It is possible to cover it with some snow to make it less slippery. There should not be many obstacles. The distance between two participants must be 1.5 meters or more on the first part of the track. The first turning point is usually located 80 meters’ further then the start.

The cart

Different vehicles are used for different races, which is why it is important to find out what restrictions are there for a particular competition. Sometimes it is possible to take part in two races using one cart and two motors, in this case the motor will be changed in between. It is by no means allowed to use one cart for several participants. This is strictly prohibited by the rules, no matter what race you are going to take part in.

With that being said, let’s move on to the peculiarities of the cart. Firstly, the back wheels must be protected, while the front wheels must be modified by adding some spikes. Their height must be up to 2.5 centimeters, and the amount of them usually varies from 130 to 140 spikes per tire.

Competitions

Since both teenagers and adults are allowed to participate in the races, organizers usually divide all competitors in at least two categories in accordance with their age. Young pilots cover shorter distances: either the amount of rounds is halved, or the length of one round is reduced by half. The starting positions can be determined by the qualifying race, or by the toss-up, or by the order of application. The procedure fully depends on the organizers of the competition.

When it comes to team tournament, there are usually three races in each category. Two best results count, and they add points to the team. If a pilot breaks the rules, they can lose points or be disqualified.

Winter carting VS summer carting

At first sight, these disciplines seem to be alike. Both of them take place on twisty tracks. The one who crosses the finish line faster than others becomes the winner of the race. Yet, there are many differences, some of them are very significant. First of all, the main difference is concerned with the surface. Tracks for classic carting are usually located on asphalt or pro-elastic surfaces, whereas ice-carting takes place on snow-covered icy tracks. Secondly, ice carts are usually wider and higher, therefore, they weight more.

The competitions look different. Rarely do organizers use background music when it comes to winter carting. In addition, the number of spectators is not as big as in summer. Due to the weather conditions two persons are allowed compete as a team, while in summer the races are usually individual. The first person is the pilot of the cart. This is who operates the vehicle. Yet, there is also an ‘engineer’. This person will help in case the cart stops working because of low temperatures.

Another difference is connected with availability of this activity. While ice-carting takes place only in winter, ordinary carting is available throughout the year because there are some indoor tracks.

History

In the middle of the 20^th century, people began to slide down the hills using the simplest carts ever. These mechanisms did not have any motors. The vehicle was later modified by pilots. The more motor power increased the more the characteristics developed.

Some people are inclined to think that ice-carting in general was invented by children. It served as their hobby and was an interesting outdoor activity. At first they used boxes made of carton. Then adults realized it was a good way to spend their free time, so they joined their children. From then on this discipline developed much faster.

All in all, as you can see, ice-carting is not an extremely difficult or dangerous discipline. Yet, it is better to train hard and always follow safety rules to enjoy the process.