Tire Info

Studded Tire Info

We have rules written with the goal of promoting the maximum amount of fun while maintaining the surface of the ice. Constant pressure from studs that are too aggressive causes ruts to form and wears the ice thinner. The rules written have proven to work to maintain favorable ice conditions throughout the weekend without the need to re-plow a new track.

There are good options to buy competitive tires or build your own.

Tire rules link for Wheel to Wheel and Open Track
IceCross Tire Rules are similar but allow for larger bolted studs as a separate class. Full IceCross rules here.

Note: It is highly encouraged to seal the tires without the use of liquid sealant. Only bio-degradable sealant may be used. It's best to be used as a backup plan only.

Purchased Studded Tires

Pre-studded tires can be purchased and used as long as they meet the tire rules.

Currently, one of the best options on sale today is the Alpha Ice-Cross tires. They can be purchased from two US-based distributors:

Kraken Concepts Racing, https://kcracingstore.com/
New England Racing Tyres, https://www.neracingtires.com/

It's best to purchase tires far in advance since they are not always in stock.

Other purchased tire options include:

Menards ice racing tires (no longer in production but occasionally used tires can be found for sale)
Black Rocket tires (no current US-based distributor)
Any road legal street studded tires

If you are looking at another tire not listed above, please check with us prior to arrival to get a ruling on whether the tire will be allowed

Note: Pirelli studded winter rally tires are not allowed. They were tested with our group and determined to produce too much damage to the ice.

Home Built Studded Tires

Building your own studded tires is a great option if you are not able to find a pre-studded tire size that works for your car or cannot get them in time.

See tire rules for limits to building your own tires. There are different rules for different classes of home built tires.

Tips for building your own tires:

Find a narrow tire to start with. If you have too big of a contact patch with the ice, the force will be spread out more and your studs may not be able to dig in.
Studs: Kold Kutter studs work well. Other types/brands can also be used.
For screw-in studs, it is recommended you have at least 3/4" thread engagement into the rubber to keep them from falling out frequently. Most passenger vehicle tires do not have this thick of rubber. Do not pierce through the rubber if you don't plan on putting a nut on the other side. They may wiggle and eventually leak air or fall out.
For through bolted studs, a nut should be placed on the other side of the tire. To seal up the hole, windshield adhesive can be placed on the screw thread protruding through prior to threading the nut on. When it cures, it is still very flexible and can move with the tire. For the nuts, nylon locking nuts are preferred since there will be a lot of vibration.
Be careful about stud count. Too many studs can spread the load too much and not allow them to grip the ice well (think of a bed of nails).
No studs are allowed on the sidewall of the tires.