Even on ice, things can heat up.

Belanger lined up for a front-wheel-drive heat in his 1995 Acura Integra, which he bought for $200 and fitted with a roll cage. His car, No. 35, has a sticker that reads, “Does not race well with others.”

Drivers revved their engines. They took to the track, passing one another, skidding across the ice and settling themselves after 180s or 360s. Bumpers touched. Belanger came off the ice. His Acura had to be towed after a knock with another car.

“He blew my chances for a championship,” Belanger said. “It’s broken. The whole right front suspension is junk.”

But there was some hope. A small orange car was lying around, and Belanger used in the final heat.

Troy Washburn was gearing up for the rear-wheel-drive final, tinkering with his 1992 Buick along with D. J. Ellis, a mechanic.

“It’s a granny mobile made awesome,” Ellis said.

Most cars are fitted with a roll cage because flipping is such a hazard on ice. Asphalt is a faster surface, Washburn said, but ice is more fun and requires better driving.

“This is slower, but harder to control,” Washburn said.

The tires on each car are chained, allowing for better traction. Drivers say that turning on ice requires finesse — turn too much, and you will spin out; don’t turn enough, and the turn will not happen. Drivers must also strain to prevent the car from fishtailing.

Ellis, who does not race, said racing on ice added a whole new element for spectators.

“You’re on the ice, and cars are going by and all these ice chips are going up. It’s like watching a magic trick,” he said.