More than 5,000 motorsport fans braved the icy conditions in Zell am See this past weekend to witness the fifth edition of the F.A.T. Ice Race, a modern revival of a historic tradition blending past and present racing icons on a frozen track.
Founded in 2019 by Ferdinand “Ferdi” Porsche, the event has become a winter spectacle, drawing a unique mix of classic endurance racers, modern high-performance machines, and a dedicated community of automotive enthusiasts. Against a picturesque backdrop of snow-capped mountains, fans watched legendary cars drift and race across the icy circuit, celebrating both the sport and the culture surrounding it.
A highlight of the weekend was the presence of historic Porsche race cars, including the legendary 962 Dauer Le Mans GT, the 959 Paris-Dakar, and the 911 Carrera 3.2 4×4 Paris-Dakar (953). These icons, piloted by racing veterans and Porsche brand ambassadors, demonstrated their prowess in the extreme conditions, thrilling spectators with controlled slides and bursts of speed across the ice.
Adding to the excitement, modern performance vehicles, including the Porsche Taycan, showcased cutting-edge technology on the frozen track. The all-electric Taycan impressed onlookers with its precise torque distribution and effortless drifting ability, proving that high-performance driving isn’t limited to internal combustion engines.
The event’s centerpiece, the thrilling skijoring competition, saw cars towing skiers at high speeds across the ice—a nod to a historic motorsport tradition. With a blend of competition, camaraderie, and nostalgia, the F.A.T. Ice Race continues to bridge generations of car enthusiasts while solidifying its place as one of the most unique events in motorsport.
Shawn Henry