On one of the coldest days we've had this winter, most people would think of being inside bundled up next to a roaring fireplace. But for area ice racers, the frigid temps couldn't keep them away from doing what they love best.

It's loud. It's cold. And it's certainly out of the ordinary.

Jack Potter says, "We all race in the summertime and we'd get bored in the winter."

On Sunday, 4-wheelers and motorcyclists geared up to race around an ice track located on Lake Arbutus in Hatfield.

The Central Wisconsin Ice Racing Association began the annual event in 1980.

And since then, the group says its seen the sport progress.

Jack Potter says, "We have a total of 30 classes for pretty much any rider or age experience, we have a class for them."

Racers divide themselves by the type of vehicle they want to compete on, motorcycles, studded ATV’s or nonstudded ATVs
And don't think the ice slows down these riders.

Jack Potter says, "The technology of the screws has gotten it so we are faster on the ice than we are on the dirt."

Competition isn't the only thing that brings these racers together. They say it's a love for the sport they can share with each other.

Jack Potter says, "We've created friends we only see on the ice...it makes the winter go a whole lot faster."

And for racer Travis Miller, it's a family tradition.

Travis Miller says, "My whole family was doing it on my dad's side. My brothers started and then I started little class and moved up."

In fact, the family is so into the sport, Miller's dad bought an old school bus at an auction years ago to transport his crew.

Travis Miller says, "We took the seats out and we have ramps. We took the back door out and widened it and haul four-wheelers all season."

It's this loyalty to ice racing that keeps the diehards coming back week after week, even with the chilly temps.

Dave Esch says, "Everyone is all excited, it's racing, the ones that are here are here to race."
Travis Miller says, "I like racing, being with friends and family."

Despite the cold weather, over 160 racers entered the competition. But, the Central Wisconsin Ice Association normally sees around 300 participants for each race.

If you'd like to get in on the action, plan to attend the next local ice races, which will be held on Lake Wissota in Chippewa Falls on Saturday, February 23rd.