Alaska Sports Car Club’s first ice race of 2019 set for this Saturday

WASILLA — Saturday, race cars of all shapes and sizes will compete across frozen ice during Alaska Sports Car Club’s first race of the season. ASCLC members are gearing up to race across Big Lake, and past president Faith Hamilton said that this event provides much needed winter entertainment for both racers and spectators since Alaska has such a short racing season in the summer.

“In Alaska, it’s a way to extend our racing season,” Hamilton said. “It gives us something to do the winter.”

Hamilton said that ice racing differs from regular racing because it provides an extra challenge to the drivers. She said that the conditions are always changing and the ice adds an extra challenge for drivers with a “level of unpredictably.”

“Ice racing is a lot of fun to watch,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton has been an ASCLC member for over 20 years. She said that it started in Anchorage in 1958 as a not-for-profit. She said that it became an official nonprofit organization in 2010 when they linked up with Lions Club International.

“It’s given us a lot of resources being in the Lions Club,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton said that on top of access to insurance, additional marketing and other resources, being part of the service club means they can give money back to the community.

“And we’re just not a bunch of selfish racers. We’re doing something for the community as well,” Hamilton said.

According to the event description, ASCLC racing fees cover event expenses, porta-potties, plow truck fuel and other administrative tasks. 10 percent of allocated funds left over from this season will be donated to a designated charity.

The ASCLC makes contributions to various community groups and nonprofits each year. Hamilton said that while the event is free, they will accept donations. She said that portions of the proceeds from racing fees and any donations from attendees will go to Covenant House Alaska.

“If they want to donate to Covenant House, we will accept any donations that they want to give,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton said that Big Lake has become the race track of choice for over 20 years because of the ease of access, amount of space needed and the lake’s conditions.

“It’s usually a little colder and has less wind than other lakes,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton said that ASCLC currently has about 40 members. She said that they offer entry level classes for novice racers. She noted that many people also utilize their club to test their cars to learn their vehicle’s limits and sharpen their control.

“All you need is a car in good condition, no studs in the tires and a helmet,” Hamilton said.

Registration starts at 10 a.m. and the race begins at 12 p.m. Hamilton noted that any new racers who want to throw their hat in the ring should contact them as soon as possible to go through the all proper safety inspections. New racers should contact ASCLC as soon as they can, registering as a member on the day before the race at the very latest.

Hamilton advised all attendees to dress warm and bring snacks because there will not be any refreshments served. There will be porta-potties on site however.

The ASCLC holds monthly meetings every second Tuesday at Mexico in Alaska, located in Anchorage. For more information, contact Will DeRivera at 907-444-8301 or email board@aksportscarclub.org.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com