Vintage ice racing

Glen Hart races in vintage oval races

by Trish Drinkle

Glen Hart leaning hard in a race.
Glen Hart leaning hard in a race. Photo courtesy of Glen Hart

Glen Hart of Winnipeg simply loves to go fast. This 32-year-old vintage ice oval racer  finished first in the 440IFS and 340 IFSX class at the 2014 51st Annual Amsoil World Championships in Eagle River, Wisconsin. The race is known for its large cash prizes and gigantic trophies.

Hart rides late-1970s and 1980s Ski-Doo machines specifically factory designed for ice oval racing. The technology of today is worlds apart from these vintage machines. The difference in suspension alone has me full of admiration for these racers. 

“Really, it comes down to the machine,” Hart said. “Clutching and sled set-up go a long way. Most of the riders are quite even in skill, so any advantage your machine has can make a difference.” 

Hart’s machine is far from stock. Made of carbon fibre and titanium, it most certainly is built for speed. 

In addition to his most recent wins, Hart took first in the 340IFS and 440IFS at the 2012 world championships. When he’s not racing, Hart puts on at least 2,000 miles on his trail sled each year around his hometown. With a strong desire for adventure, he makes a trek to the mountains yearly to snowmobile the terrain of British Columbia. His next trip planned is for Golden, B.C., or Whistler.

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