The ANDROS TROPHY
Here at La Fromental we are lucky enough to have the spectacular ice racing event ‘the ANDROS TROPHY’ visit the local ski resort of Super-Besse for the seventh meeting in an eight meet season.
A glamorous and spectacular event, the Andros Trophy has been running since 1990. Attracting big name drivers and manufacturers, it consists of seven races in mountain resorts, with a grand finale pitting the leaders against each other.
The
ice track on which the race is run is prepared weeks in advance, being
ritually sprayed with water to ensure an even and stable coating of ice.
However, the often capricious weather conditions make for exciting viewing
when ice melts or forms.
The race itself is fought in two categories, Elite and Promotion, each of
which are split into two heats. Driver and co-pilot teams are divided into two
groups for both heats and finals, guaranteeing more races for onlookers. The
winning team is the one with the most points after the finals.
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Last
year we were lucky enough to see the likes of ex-Formula One champion
Alan Prost driving his Toyota Corolla, reigning BTCC champion Yvan Muller
in his Kia Rio and the ever reliable Laurent Fouquet piloting a Seat Leon
pitting their wits against each other in the ‘Elite Class’ in this World Ice Racing
Championships.
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| To keep the racing action flowing, so that the pit crews can have some time to repair the inevitable damage that occurs when you mix 350BHP cars, icy tracks and 6 foot high snow walls, there are other categories to enjoy. |
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The ‘Sprint Cars’ are a mixture between Go-Karts and Buggies. Ultra light and ultra fast, these front wheel drive machines really do put on a show.
The ‘Pilot Bikes’ appear to be a law unto themselves. Here we see the battle of the 2-stroke against the 4-stroke motorbikes take on a new twist. Normally in the snow and ice the motorbikes get garaged, but not these guys. This is one event where I’m pleased to be just a spectator.