Ice Racing in Maine 2026: Moosehead Lake WCIRA, Pro Ice Racing & Winter Motorsports

Gerry Caron
3 hours ago
5 min read

Ice Racing in Maine 2026: Thrilling Ice Track Action & Winter Motorsports Guide

Winter in Maine isn’t just about snowmobiling and ice fishing — it’s also home to high-speed ice racing that draws motorsports enthusiasts from across New England. From grassroots car races on frozen lakes to professional arena-style motorcycle and ATV ice events, Maine’s winter racing scene offers something for every fan of adrenaline and cold-weather excitement. Whether you’re planning a winter weekend getaway or looking to catch ice-racing action live, here’s your complete 2026 guide to ice racing in Maine.

🏁 West Cove Ice Racing Association (WCIRA) — Moosehead Lake, Greenville

Local & Club Ice Racing (DIY feel)The West Cove Ice Racing Association (WCIRA) is the heartbeat of outdoor ice racing in Maine. Hosted on West Cove of Moosehead Lake near Greenville Junction, ME, WCIRA races are typically held Saturdays at noon (January–February) when conditions permit.

❄️ Ice Requirements: Races run only when ice is 21+ inches thick — a safety threshold carefully monitored by club volunteers.

🚗 Vehicles & Classes: Four-cylinder cars and open classes compete on natural ice tracks. Some races include dirt bikes, quads, and UTVs on separate ovals.

🤝 Community Vibe: Known for a friendly, supportive atmosphere where racers and fans alike gather lakeside.

📍 Location: West Cove, Greenville Junction, ME

📌 Look for signs off Route 6 near Kelly’s Landing in winter.

🔗 Follow updates (including cancellations due to ice): Facebook groups like “West Cove Ice Racing Association.”

🏎️ Professional Indoor Ice Racing — Portland & Beyond

Xtreme International Ice Racing (XIIR) — Cross Insurance Arena

For a high-octane indoor experience, the Xtreme International Ice Racing (XIIR) tour brings professional ice racing to arenas such as Cross Insurance Arena in Portland, ME. These events showcase:

🔥 Speed & Skill: Speedway bikes, Pro Outlaw Quads, flat-track motorcycles, and karts racing on ice with specially prepared surfaces

❌ No brakes — riders depend on skill and ice grip to navigate tight turns and fast straights

📅 Typical Timing: January–February events

📍 Venue: Cross Insurance Arena, 1 Civic Center Square, Portland, ME

🌐 Event info: https://xtremeiceracing.com

Check the XIIR website or arena schedule for exact 2026 dates and ticket info.

🧊 Other Ice Racing Ovals & Local Spots

Unity Pond Ice Ovals — Unity (historical)

Historically, Unity Pond hosted snowmobile and small-engine oval racing. While some versions of the oval are not active every winter, the area remains a popular gathering spot for local winter racing and sled events.

📍 Camp Rd, Unity, ME

Northern Maine Ice Ovals & SnowBowl — Caribou / Aroostook County

Northerners know the ice racing culture up in Aroostook. Venues like Spud Speedway’s SnowBowl include SnoCross winter racing featuring snowmobiles and ATV competition.

📅 Scheduled Highlight: 4th Annual Spud Speedway SnowBowl (February 27, 2026) — family-friendly and full of winter motorsports fun.

🐎 Related Winter Racing Events

Ice racing is part of a broader winter competition scene in Maine:

❄️ Skijoring Events

Bangor Skijoring:
January 31, 2026 — horses pulling skiers/snowboarders through snowy courses
Topsham Skijoring:
February 7, 2026 — another community winter racing highlight

🛷 US National Toboggan Championships – Camden Snow Bowl

Dates: Starting February 6, 2026
Gravity-powered toboggan runs on frozen snow chutes
A must-see if you’re in midcoast Maine for winter action

🔗 Camden Snow Bowl: https://camdensnowbowl.com

⛵ Ice Boating — Speed on Blades

For fans of speed beyond wheels and sleds, ice boating offers another unique thrill. Clubs like the Chickawaukee Ice Boat Club in Rockport maintain fleets of ice sailboats that slice across frozen lakes at blistering speeds. This combines nautical skill with winter adrenaline.

📍 Rockport, ME

🌐 Local club info via community social pages or the Chickawaukee Ice Boat Club network.

🧠 Tips for Spectators & Beginners

✔ Check Ice Conditions: Outdoor races depend on weather; contact local racing groups via Facebook for real-time updates.

✔ Dress for Winter: Maine winter racing is enjoyed outdoors in cold, sometimes windy conditions — layers, insulated boots, and hand warmers are essentials.

✔ Plan Lodging Ahead: Winter racing spikes tourism in areas like Greenville, Portland, and Camden — early hotel/resort bookings are wise

.✔ Family Friendly: Most local races and winter events are free to watch and welcoming to all ages.

📍 Where to Stay & Explore

Greenville & Moosehead Region:

Great home base for WCIRA races and winter outdoor activities like snowmobiling and ice fishing.

Portland, ME:

Your hub for professional indoor ice racing, nightlife, and winter dining.

Camden & Midcoast:

Ideal for US National Toboggan Championships and coastal winter scenery.

🏁 In Closing

Ice racing in Maine for 2026 blends community passion with high-speed thrills. Whether you’re cheering cars on Moosehead Lake, watching motorcycles fly on indoor ice, or soaking up winter festival vibes alongside skijoring and toboggan champions,

What to Do in the Moosehead Lake Region & Beyond: Your Complete Guide to Outdoor Adventure & Local Attractions

Planning a trip to the Moosehead Lake region in Maine? You're in for an unforgettable experience packed with adventure, breathtaking natural beauty, and cozy lodging options. From high-adrenaline ATV trails to peaceful paddles on glassy waters, the Moosehead Lake area is a four-season playground perfect for outdoor lovers, families, and anyone looking to unplug and explore.

Want more insider tips? Discover top recommendations at Moose River Lookout, your go-to resource for:

🛶 Boating & paddling routes
🎣 Fishing hotspots
🏕️ Wilderness camping sites
🥾 Trail maps for hiking & nature walks
🍽️ Local dining & shopping recommendations

👉 Stay Connected with Moosehead News & More!

Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.

🏡 Where to Stay: Moose River Lookout – Your Basecamp for Adventure

Rockwood Maine Lodging • Moosehead Lake Cabin Rentals

Located in Rockwood, Maine, Moose River Lookout is the ultimate vacation home rental for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Nestled on the Moose River, this cozy home features:

Private Dock with access to Moosehead Lake
3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Sleeps 7
Free WiFi & TV
Backup Generator
Easy driveway dual access for trailers, boats, ATVs, & snowmobiles
Direct access to ITS66 Snowmobile Trails
Year-round availability for summer AND winter sports
Perfect home base for skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, and wildlife watching

Whether you're hiking Blue Ridge, casting a line in Moose River, or hitting the snowmobile trails—Moose River Lookout is where your Maine vacation begins.

Ultimate Outdoor Getaway

With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.

Book Your Stay

Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout, lodging Rockwood Maine a Vacation Home Rental, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!