Even though the polar vortex is seemingly done raising a middle finger to the majority of the United States, Winter is still in full swing and the bitter cold lingers across much of the northern part of the country, making it generally miserable to be outside for more than short periods of time.

As my garage is unheated and small enough that I can’t fully open either door of my Monte SS without hitting a wall or one of my toolboxes, any ambitious projects are on hiatus until early Spring when the snow melts and I can pull the car out of the garage for a few hours.

I think it’s safe to say that, like me, the majority of gearheads are holed up this time of year in regards to automotive pursuits unless they’re into snowmobiles or are one of the lucky ones with a good sized garage and the ambition to start a project or two, cold temperatures be damned.

However, there’s a few crazies out there who can’t wait for the ice and snow, because that means the start of ice racing season.

Lohnes and I have been talking the past few years about hitting up an ice racing event, and I’m thinking this will be the year. No more excuses, just pick an event, whether it be ice drag racing, circle track, or snowcross/rallycross and show up.

To get myself motivated, I’ve been watching a bunch of videos highlighting the grassroots nature of these events, and I’ll admit that I’m eating this stuff up. As much as I love the big ticket racing like F1, WRC, Le Mans, and others, there’s just something much more human and personal about a bunch of people with a common passion getting together and running what they ‘brung on their own dime.

Anyway, below are a few videos that I believe highlight the low buck spirit and really get me motivated to finally go to one of these events. No crazy crashes or anything like that, but they do a great job of capturing what I imagine is the feel of being there, both in terms of the vehicles and the people that pilot them.

Hopefully they inspire you to get out there and check out an event for yourselves!

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE SOME GREAT GRASSROOTS ICE RACING VIDEOS!

Everything is better when put to Van Halen, even if it is from the “Van Hagar” era.

Some great snowcross action in this one. Yes, it has Subarus, but are you honestly surprised by that knowing me?

A quick video showcase of the madness that is racing wheel to wheel in close to zero visibility conditions

Last but not least, a feature that focuses on the drivers themselves at a typical event and how you don’t need anything special in order to get out there and drive. Other than the Mustang SVO there’s nothing on the track to write home about, but in a way that’s the point.