2005 World Ice Racing Championship Series

As for the other two advertised divisions, they were essentially no shows. One kart did actually make it onto the ice, but being the only one it was for exhibition purposes only. Pity no willing racers for these two divisions could be found by the promoters.

As for the entertainment value of the series that day, I would have to say that it came off as a bit of an amateur event. The head race official looked like he knew what he was doing, but his help looked a trifle lost at times and I think he could have used more than the apparent two helpers he had. The announcer could have been more polished in his delivery, and his PA

Racers, kids, and autographs.

was not loud enough. On the other hand, the Corel Centre audio system belted out short bursts of rousing rock in between announcements and races with exceptional clarity. Go figure?

Although I enjoyed the ice races, I left unfulfilled. I wish there had been more competitors, much tighter racing, and fewer and shorter breaks between races. Perhaps I'm expecting too much, but I did notice some fans that thoroughly enjoyed themselves: the kids.

It was great to see so many families bring out their youngsters. After all, they are our future enthusiasts. Based on just the ones occupying the space behind me, they couldn't have been more enthusiastic. They vigorously waved their novelty checkered flags during the action, thoroughly dusting any possible dandruff (and possibly remaining strands of hair) off my head, screaming piercingly with glee each time the racers went by. If I had not regretted not bringing my hat (and ear plugs) then, I surely did during the intermissions when the little darlings were carried out for refreshments. I must have been kicked in the noggin at least a half a dozen times as the parents struggled through the seat rows with their energetic bundles of joy. At one point I turned to see my wife with a toddler held under the arm of his oblivious father, literally standing on her head in his Winnie-the-Pooh rubber boots. I had to smile. (Good thing she is used to it, she's a teacher!)

Yes, the kids had a great time. At one point near the end of the program, a couple of the racers found their way into the stands to sign a few autographs. At first only a handful of the nearby youth took advantage and got their checkered flags signed. But as soon as the others saw that honor was bestowed on this select few, they wanted in on the prize as well. From all around the centre they streamed towards the celebrities. They didn't know who these racers were, nor did they care. If they had a helmet or were wearing leathers, then their scrawls were gold.

Should the Ice Racing Series return to Ottawa next year, I think I would give it a pass - winter or not. Next time I would rather check out one of the local club races held on the wide open space of a frozen lake. This is, of course, assuming that the series would return unchanged. Now if the promoters could attract a bigger race card and tighten up their program, well, that would be a different story. I really love watching those speedway bikes race.