Drag racing is typically limited by weather conditions; precipitation and traction tend to not mix well and usually would result in very expensive encounters with the wall. However, there are diehards who will race regardless of the conditions, rain or even snow. Those of us in southern California are only plagued rain the occasional wind event, but the thought of drag racing in the rain let alone on a frozen river would never cross our minds. When the rest of country is whining about the local drag strips being closed for the winter bench racing becomes the predominant form of racing, but that is not the case in Merrill, Wisconsin. A video came to our attention documenting the complete total insanity known as the Merrill Ice Drags located in the Council Grounds State Park in Merrill, WI. When the temperatures drop down to the point where a river freezes enough to be used a racing surface you know it is beyond cold.

Competitors flock to the state park to take part in the various classes competing for trophies, cash, test-n-tune and even grudge racing. All of the traditional NHRA safety rules apply, but there are a few additional safety requirements that are mandatory for the ice drags. In the “Two Wheel Drive Nailie” Open Door-Slammer class the 2010 record is a 6.405 at 124.20 held by Suzt Schulz. Do the math and that is still considered a decent time for a full body car, but when you consider the surface of this 1/8 mile track is ice, it seems rather insane. For those watching the “Open Wheel Drive Nailie” class these racers pilot their racecars into the mid 5’s on the icy track. For those traveling to Wisconsin in the winter months a trip to the Merrill Ice Drags should be added to the travel itinerary.