Bikes on Ice Extreme Racing Event Comes to BSSA Saturday
by Brandon Woolum
Huntington News Network Writer
Huntington (HNN) — Less than two weeks ago the Big Sandy Superstore Arena floor was caked in mud as it hosted monster trucks. Now the mud is cleaned up and the process to transform the arena floor into a solid sheet of ice has begun.However, the ice will not be home to figure skaters, but instead motorcycles and quads racing up to 60 mph with no brakes.
For the first time ever, the Tri-State will host AMA Xtreme International Ice Racing Saturday night, Jan. 22, 2005. The group of professional riders is touring America for the second consecutive year and has included Huntington within their 16 stops for 2005.
Fueled by nitro methanol, these four-stroke, four-valve bikes will tear into the ice with their 1,600 razor sharp studs that are embedded in its tires. With no brakes and speeds reaching 60mph, fans will experience a whole new side of the motor sports world.
"Without a doubt, this is a bit different, but I think it is different in a unique way that will bring fans out to see what this is all about," Big Sandy Superstore Arena Director of Marketing Heath Brown said. "It is an extreme sport but I think the motor sports connection, and the uniqueness of the show, all bode well for this event Saturday night.
According to Brown, the event will be broken down into bike and quad divisions. Anywhere from 20 to 25 heat races will take place as riders compete for a spot in the featured event.
Anthony "British Bulldog" Barlow, a three-time World Ice Racing Champion and one of the sport's most recognizable figures will be competing in the Huntington event. Rookie Gary Phelps will also be in attendance at the event, racing in only his 6th event on the ice.
Work began Sunday evening on the temporary ice that will grace the Superstore Arena floor this weekend. Brown said that crews have been hard at work all week getting the ice ready for the debut performance of this event, and the ice will not be completely finished until Friday.
Motor sports in Huntington have sold well for several years and this event is already looking to follow that same pattern.
"We have received a great response so far and we are certainly excited about the potential of this event," Brown said. "We are hopeful it will become an annual event for Tri-State fans."
Tickets for the Saturday races can be purchased at the Arena Box Office, any Ticketmaster location and ticketmaster.com. Adult general admission tickets are $15 each while children 12 and under are admitted for $8.