Unique drag racing on the Wisconsin River at Council Grounds State Park speeds into its 50th Season! Merrill Ice Draggers are proud to announce that the vehicles charge down the ? mile straightaway track on Test & Tune Saturday, Jan. 17. The 50th Anniversary Season is officially underway! From the humble beginnings of a few guys who formed a winter racing club to now a 501(c)4, the Merrill Ice Draggers Inc. are proud to bring this special event to the ice of the Wisconsin River just off North Hwy 107 in Merrill.
Free spectator area is available whether you come by car or on the nearby snowmobile trail. To see the vehicles up close and personal, purchase a pit pass for just $12. There’s a variety of vehicles in a number of racing classes from mom’s car, to nitro-breathing rail cars, to 4-wheel drive trucks. Also, “nailies” cars, sporting tires with drywall screws to really bite into the ice and get down the track fast; this is racing action you don’t want to miss!
Racing action begins Saturday at noon, Jan. 24 during Merrill Winterfest. It is the first day to accumulate points towards winning a championship in a class. Saturday, Jan. 31, is the Mayor’s Choice Award. Saturday, Feb. 7 is designated the Harvey Wenzlick Memorial, a former Merrill Ice Dragger. The points accumulation ends with the Saturday, Feb. 14 Championship which will be special with the 50th Anniversary Alumni Racer Reunion. All present and former racers are urged to bring along past trophies, memorabilia or photos. If you’re unable to attend, send photos to the website www.merrillicedrags.com. Of course on Saturday, Feb. 21 beginning at noon, the Merrill Ice Draggers hold their traditional Grudge Match/Bracket Races. “Got Nailies?!” This is drag racing that should be on everyone’s bucket list!
It’s not too late to get your vehicle into this racing action, check www.merrillicedrags.com for rules and class information. Pre-registration is encouraged. Racers needing additional info can call President Bill Bunnell 715-409-9493. New this year for the 50th Anniversary Season there’s a “King of the Hill Barefoot Race.” Entry is limited to the first eight registered 2-wheel drive vehicles on Saturday, Jan. 31, and 4-wheel drive vehicles on Saturday, Feb. 7. Information is on the website. President Bunnell states, “We’re grateful for our many sponsors through the years that made MID possible such as Pine Ridge Mobil in Merrill, our exclusive fuel sponsor.”
For tourist information contact the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce at 715-536-9474 or visit www.merrillchamber.org.