Zell-am-see ice race returns to action after three-year break
We’re delighted to report the much missed Porsche Ice Race is making its comeback. Hosted in partnership with F.A.T. International (the former French logistics company known for its extensive sponsorship of aircooled Porsches in the world of motorsport), the event is being pitched by founder, Ferdi Porsche, as a celebration of competition cars made famous in the 1980s and 1990s. The one-day extravaganza will take place on January 27th 2024 at the airfield in Zell am See, Austria.
Against the spectacular setting, the event will unite passionate motorsport fans and will attempt to showcase a diverse realm of automotive culture. Spectators will witness professional racing drivers compete with amateurs for the best performance on ice. Each entrant will be tackling extreme conditions — a true test of man and machine. Whether you are looking to see the most iconic cars in the history of motorsport, agile high-speed buggies (always a big hit with Ice Race spectators) or modern GT and rally cars, you can rest assured breathtaking drift angles and jaw-dropping action is a given. The Ice Race’s famous Skijöring contest, where skiers are pulled along at speed behind competition cars, will present a challenge for drivers, and once again promises high levels of excitement. Visitors will also find plenty to enjoy away from the ice, including exhibitions and special displays, such the tantalisingly named Spyder paddock, which builds on Ferdi’s attempt to unite a record-breaking number of Spyder-bodied Porsches in 2022. The crowning moment of the day will be a party at Kaprun Castle, built in the twelfth century as a fortress and formerly serving as the residence of various noble local families. Overlooking the valley, the building is often used to host concerts.
CHEWING THE FAT
F.A.T. International is, perhaps, best-known in Porsche circles for its sponsorship of the controversial Dauer 962 LM, winner of the 1994 24 Hours of Le Mans. In view of the fondness many classic Porsche enthusiasts have for the F.A.T. brand, Ferdi Porsche and his team will be leaving Austria (home of the Ice Race) to host an additional Ice Race event in Aspen, USA, between 8th and 10th February 2024. How does the brand name of a defunct French haulage company link to a city in Colorado? According to Ferdi, this new Stateside event will draw inspiration from renowned author, Hunter S. Thompson, celebrated for his hugely successful novel, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. In 1970, the year of Porsche’s first overall win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Thompson unsuccessfully attempted to become sheriff of Aspen, as outlined in the fascinating 2020 documentary film, Freak Power: The Ballot or the Bomb. His manifesto included determination to change the municipality’s name (by public referendum) to Fat City. His campaign fell flat, but in 2024, Thompson’s wish will come true — Ferdi confirms the small town in the Rocky Mountains will be temporarily renamed F.A.T. City for the duration of the Ice Race.
Tickets for the Aspen event are purchasable online via the recently established fat-international.com website. Tickets for the Zell am See Ice Race are already available to order at the same online space, as are applications for participation in both events. See you there.