Kenai Peninsula Ice Racing kicked off for the 2025 season with night races and a fireworks show on Tuesday, New Year’s Eve.

Normally, racers hit the ice outside the Decanter Inn in Kasilof. Tuesday’s race was instead held at Twin City Raceway. Sara Boone from the Kenai Peninsula Ice Racing Association said before the races started that the warm temperatures in December were a setback to creating the icy setting needed for ice racing, but that starting at the raceway was “going to be huge.”

On a chilly Tuesday night, dozens filled the stands at the raceway — and many more were spectating from the warmth of their cars along the side of the track. Announcers noted that the Twin City track differed from the lake ice that racers were used to competing on, but “they’re figuring it out pretty quick.”

The sound of engines and the smell of gas filled the air, as did snow and sparks as the vehicles collided with snow berms and — more infrequently — with one another.

Boone said the association is excited for this year, with two successful fundraisers in 2024 powering a season full of special events. There are races scheduled almost every weekend through March 25 on a calendar passed out by ice racers during the Electric Lights Parade on Thanksgiving.

Ice racing, Boone said, is a competition on slippery ice in cars specially designed with roll cages on the outside. The association tries to create a fun, family-friendly atmosphere, she said.

“It’s gonna be a great time,” she said. “Making lots of left turns.”

Per a race schedule handed out by the association during November’s Electric Lights Parade, races are set for every Sunday from Jan. 5 to March 25, excepting Feb. 9 and 16. Races are also set for Saturday on Feb. 8 and Feb. 15. Racing starts at noon on Sundays and 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Parking costs $10 and all races are weather dependent.

For more information about races, racers and other events, find “Kenai Peninsula Ice Racing Appreciation” on Facebook.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.

Racers round the track ahead of the start of the first race of the Kenai Peninsula Ice Racing season at Twin City Raceway in Kenai, Alaska, on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Racers vie for the lead in the first race of the Kenai Peninsula Ice Racing season at Twin City Raceway in Kenai, Alaska, on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Racers vie for the lead in the second race of the Kenai Peninsula Ice Racing season at Twin City Raceway in Kenai, Alaska, on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)