SAD NEWS: NASCAR driver’s team are in tears after the passing away legend few hours ago….
“Fishing is bad right now, so we’re all out here playing,” said Dave Holmgren, leader of this group of about 50 drivers.
He wears a green vest with Mr. Official emblazoned on the back and a perpetual smile.
Ice racing has been happening for about 30 years here at Underwood, sponsored by the local Lions Club. Holmgren started ice racing in his 20s, some 45 years ago.
“Then I got my boy started into it,” he said, pointing to a burly, bearded guy who shares the good humor gene.
Jake Holmgren is 29 and has been ice racing since he was 15.
For him the attraction is about fun and socializing.
“Going in circles, passing cars, doing some doughnuts,” he said by way of explaining the draw of racing on sheer ice. “Then when you’re all said and done, pick up a nice hot dog and chips and a drink. It’s just entertainment.”
The food shack raises money for charitable donations.
Dave Holmgren said the sport is growing in popularity. About 50 drivers show up on a typical Sunday, and more young drivers are coming out to race.
We’re all out here having fun. We’re pretty decent guys,” he said with a laugh. “Pretty much everybody here is a volunteer. It’s kind of a whole community thing. It’s been that way for a long time.”
There are different classes of cars. Some sport studded tires that rip up the ice at 80 miles per hour. Cars with regular tires might hit top speeds of 30 mph.
“It probably ain’t the fastest thing with the rubber tires, but I tell you what, if you’ve got good patience, you’re at the right place at the right time, you can always wave to your buddy when you go by,” Dave Holmgren said.
