Georgetown is located about 45 minutes West of Denver. From I-70, exit at Georgetown exit #228. Turn South and go straight. Go through the roundabout to the last turn onto the Frontage Road and continue to the far east side of the lake by the spillway. You will most likely see lots of vehicles and activity on the ice in our area.
Is the ice safe?
Yes, the ice is very safe. We always check the ice depth and quality in 4 different areas before we ever let anyone onto the lake. The ice in Georgetown averages 18 to 22 inches thick. We need to have 12 inches to hold a race and 18 inches before trucks/trailers and other support vehicles can park on the ice. We ask that everyone park 20 feet apart to maintain an even weight distribution in the pit area. Old bolt tracks and ice fishing holes that are healing will be marked so you can drive around them.
Can I crash into anything while I'm racing?
No. Heats are run with only two vehicles on track at the same time. Each vehicle starts in their own gate, on opposite sides of the track, so no contact is ever made. No wheel to wheel racing is allowed at any time. Also, we do not have any solid barriers (walls, barricades, tires, bales, etc...) on the track to slide into. Any time you are driving on the ice (off of the race course) you must be at an idle speed, this includes pit areas, the parking lots, in the staging line, and after crossing the finish line. This is crucial because there are lots of spectators, kids, pets and equipment around.
What division do I compete in?
There are 3 divisions, Street Stock, Pro Street and Competition. Street Stock is our novice division for street legal vehicles and stock tires. Pro Street is for street legal vehicles who have specialized ice racing tires. Competition is our top division with heavily modified race vehicles and specialized tires. Novice drivers can compete at any level as long as they are comfortable in the vehicle. There are stipulations that can determine which division you can run in, check the rule book for more information. The three most common division stipulations are below:
#1: Street Stock is intended for novice drivers, so if you want to compete in other divisions you cannot compete in this division.
#2: If you have special unstuddable soft rubber compound tires you cannot run Street Stock, you'll be bumped to Pro Street.
#3: If you don't have all the safety equipment for the upper divisions you may not be allowed to run (helmets, full roll cages, battery cut-off switches, etc...).
How Much Does It Cost?
2012 Fee Schedule - CASH ONLY!!!
Tech Fees
$5 per Street Stock Vehicle
$10 per Pro Street or Competition Vehicle
Fun Days for Practice and Tuning
$5 per Driver
Entry Fees (Drivers Over age 60 don't have to pay entry fees for regular season events)
$20 per Driver per Class
Late Fees (charged to those who wish to register late)
$30 per driver after the Registration closes and prior to the Driver's Meeting
What is a Tech Inspection?
A Tech Inspection makes sure that all vehicles that compete in our events are mechanically safe and that they comply with the rules. Formal inspections are only done once a season (vehicles may be re-teched at any time at the discretion of the officials). Inspections take about 5 minutes and you must get them done before you register for the first time each season. An Our Gang Member will go over a checklist with your vehicle before giving you an inspection sticker with a number on it. This number identifies your vehicle in our records, so keep the sticker and remember the number for the season. You will also receive a copy of our rule book after you successfully pass inspection. There is an inspection fee, but you only pay it once a season. $5 for each Street Stock division vehicle and $10 for each Pro Street and Competition vehicle. Anyone with a yellow Our Gang jacket can direct you to the Tech line. Tech will open at 8 am and will be available until 8:45 am every Saturday and Sunday and may be available on the first Practice Day of the season.
Can I practice?
Yes, there are several ways to get in some practice for bare rubber or studs (There is no practice for cheaters.). We have two days devoted to practice and tuning each season, check the schedule to see dates. A $5 per driver fee is charged to anyone wishing to come out on these days. Morning practice takes place every Saturday and Sunday, but you must be teched and registered before you can go on track. The earlier you register, the better your chances for practice will be, the line will be cut at approx. 8:45 am each morning. Our Gang reserves the right to limit practice at any time (especially the first and last weekends). Finally, we sometimes set up a practice course at the end of the day for only the drivers that registered and competed that day. This practice time is not guaranteed and will only be set up if space, time and officials allow.
Do I need a helmet?
For Street Stock Bare Rubber you will not need a helmet. For Street Stock Studs and all Pro Street and Competition classes you will need a good fitting helmet for both the driver and passenger. Check the rule book for helmet specifications.
What are the driver requirements?
Driver's must have a valid driver's license to compete or practice (remember to bring it with you!). Those with Instruction Permits must drive with their Guardian in the front seat (If you have a permit, you cannot run cheaters). Drivers also need to be familiar with their vehicles, so they can drive safely.
"Safety First" -- Important Information
Your safety is our club's top priority. In our 36 year history we have never had a serious injury associated with the racing. This is why we will not tolerate any action that threatens the safety of drivers, passengers, spectators or officials. We expect drivers to be familiar with our rules and procedures before they register to compete. We strongly urge you to read a current copy of the rules and get any questions you may have answered (a copy of the rule book is available on this site along with contact information for questions). Drivers should be aware of their surroundings and in control of their vehicle at all times, even during the race. Safety equipment should be properly worn, we require it for a reason. And finally any directions given by club members should be followed, especially in an emergency. Our Gang Members wear yellow jackets on the lake and any problems that arise need to be brought to our attention as soon as possible.
Bare Rubber refers to the type of tires we run in the Sunday Bare Rubber classes. These tires must not have any traction modifers in them. Just the bare rubber on the ice. Street Stock division drivers run the tires they drive to the events on, typically all season radials or other daily driving tires. Pro Street and Competition are allowed to run tires that are designed for ice driving or tires that have a soft rubber compound. You can check the rule book for more specifications for these classes.
Studs refers to the type of tires we run in all 3 classes on Saturdays. These tires have 17mm or 20mm studs in the tread to add speed and traction. There are different types of tires used, but the majority of tires in Competition and Pro Street are Goodyear Terra Tires and the studs are placed in the raised bars. Street Stock uses regular studded tires you see driven everyday. The picture is of Competition Stud tires. You can check the rule book for more specifications for these classes.
Cheaters refers to the type of tires we run in the Competition classes on Saturdays. These tires are also refered to as "bolt tires". These tires have 1 1/2 inch bolts which are sharpened to a point sticking out of the tire tread. These classes have a lot of traction and are very fast. You can check the rule book for more specifications for these classes.
Georgetown may look sunny, but the temperatures stay cold and it is usually windy. It is very tolerable if you dress warmly. We hold our events regardless of weather, so be prepared. You will have to be out of the vehicle and away from the heater at least a few times during the day (registration, driver's meeting, etc...)
Yes! There are several hotels in Georgetown that you can stay at. The Georgetown Mountain Inn works the closest with our club you can call them at 303-569-3201 or visit their website www.georgetownmountaininn.com to make reservations. If you have an RV or camper you can park with our group in the lot across the bridge from the Mountain Inn. If you plan to camp you must fill out a waiver prior to December 30,2011, please e-mail us to obtain a waiver. There are a few good restaurants in town and on Saturday nights we have our award presentations there as well.
On Saturdays, we will be having our award presentations at the Alpine Restaurant and Bar in Georgetown (www.alpinerestaurantgeorgetown.com). They have a full bar and will serve a dinner menu for those that are hungry. Drive into town on Argentine and the Alpine will be on the left in front of the Georgetown Mountain Inn. These are always family friendly and all of our participants are invited to attend. We will be in their private room. On Sundays, we have the presentations on the ice after the events have finished.
No, we do not have a rookie school or driving classes. The best advice for new drivers is to watch the other drivers and see how they drive the track and what works the best. And then to get as much seat time as possible.
Registration is only open on the morning of the event. Registration opens at approx. 8 am and will stay open until 9 am. You can register late if you wish (only if you have had a tech inspection done) and you will have to pay a late registration fee. There are 3 steps in the Registration process.
#1 - Get Your Vehicle It's Tech Inspection
This only has to be done once a season, at the first race you attend. If you have already received your sticker and number you can skip this step.
#2 - Fill Out A Waiver/Registration Sheet
This also only has to be done once a season, at the first race you attend. Sheets are available at the Registration Trailer. They need to be completely filled out and signed before they can be accepted. Once you fill out a waiver, you will be in our database for the season.
#3 - Pay Your Fees and Pick Your Staging Numbers
At every race you attend, you need to go to the Registration trailer to get registered for the day's events. Here you'll pay your entry fees (remember to bring Cash!) and pick a staging number for every class you register to race in. Put the number(s) on your headlight, windshield or bumper so you can remember what they are. These numbers are important because it is how we line up drivers in staging. Numbers are selected randomnly.
Registration is a good place to meet other drivers and get your questions answered. If you need any help with the process you can come to the Registration trailer.
This is entriely up to you. The majority of bare rubber drivers do air down their tires, although the tire pressure you use each weekend will likely change. Please keep in mind there is a minimum tire pressure allowance and that you can be disqualified if your tire loses its bead during the race.
We pair drivers together using staging numbers. We then run single eliminations until we have eight or six drivers who have all raced an equal number of rounds or five drivers. This changes each race depending on the number of entrants. These remaining drivers will now race off to determine who is placed in the top 5 bracket.
* If there are eight drivers, we run a "fours" bracket. This means the eight drivers are paired to determine 4 winners and 4 losers. The four winners race off for 1st through 4th place. The four losers race off for 5th place.
* If there are six drivers, we run a "sixes" bracket. This means the six drivers are paired to determine 3 winners and 3 losers. The three winners race off for 1st through 3rd place. The 3 losers race off for 4th and 5th place.
* If there are five drivers, we run a "fives" bracket. This means we pair 4 of the first drivers, to determine 2 winners and 2 losers. The losers now race off for 4th and 5th. The remaining driver will race one of the winning 2 to determine their spot in the top 3. Then they all race off for 1st through 3rd place.
* Note there is also a bracket used for seven drivers, but it is only used when there are only seven drivers entered into the class to begin with.
You will be paired to race another driver. When you go on track, you both will drive out to your individual start gates. The Center Ice Official will line each of you up at the start line using hand motions. Once you are set, the Center Ice Official will point the flag at you, if you are ready give them a nod. They will do so for the other competitior before placing the flag on the ice, once they lift the flag off the ice GO! Do not move before the flag leaves the ice or you will be disqualified! The objective is to navigate the course without hitting any pylons and be the first to return to your start gate. Flaggers are positioned around the course to watch for DQs. Two officials watch the finish line to determine who crosses first. The Center Ice Official will point the checkered flag at the winner for everyone to see. Always finish your lap, even if you make a mistake you may still win your round. And always stick around after the heat until staging dismisses you; you may be eligible for a run-off.
If there is a tie, you will see the course flaggers circling their flags over their heads. At this point, the heat will be re-run. Drivers will SWITCH start gates and line up again. If you need a cool-down or to take a mechanical allowance you need to let the Center Ice Official know. Ties are almost always re-run until there is a winner.
There are lots of ways to get in laps -- practice days, morning practice, Championship races, running a division with multiple classes. In the actual event, you are only guaranteed one lap. After that it's up to you to get more laps. You must win in order to advance and race more. It depends how many drivers are registered in a class as to how many laps each event will run.
This decision is completely up to the track committee and is made the day of the event. They make their decision based on ice surface available, the condition of the ice, classes being run, rules/guidelines and variety. Also, the track you practice on in the morning MAY be different then the one your class runs. Final track decisions are announced at the Driver's Meeting each morning, so make sure you listen up. Click here to see the basic tracks we run.
In Street Stock you can have one adult passenger as long as they have proper restraints. Young children can ride in addition as long as they are in car seats or seat belts (as appropriate by size). You cannot hold children on your lap during a race, this is non-negotiable. The safety committee must approve the restraints and the number of passengers in your vehicle. No animals in the vehicle.
In Pro Street you can have one passenger over the age of 5 as long as they have proper restraints and a good fitting helmet. Children under the age of 5 will not be allowed as passengers as these heats tend to be higher speed and on rough courses. No animals in the vehicle.
In Competition there are no passengers allowed in the Cheater classes. In studs and bare rubber you may have one passenger over the age of 5 as long as they have proper restraints and a good fitting helmet.
Yes! We recognize the top 5 drivers in EVERY class at a presentation each race day. They receive a certificate and a small prize. If you finish in the top 5 you also receive points that can be accumulated for the division point championship which is awarded at the end of the season. Street Stock Studs is on probation until mid-season, if we have enough participants, we'll do a Points Championship! More information about this can be found on this page.
What is the Kid's Race and How Can I Get My Children Involved?
The fourth sunday on our schedule each season, we put on this fun, non-competitive event. Kids who are under driving age, can participate. We have kids of all ages, from infants to teenagers. The appeal of the Kid's Race is it is our only event that allows the kids to drive a lap. Smaller children sit on their parent's laps and steer the vehicles, while older children who are able can actually drive themselves. Every child that completes their lap gets a trophy. If you're interested in getting your kids involved, a sign up sheet is made available starting the third weekend and continuing until the race begins. There are no additional fees, Our Gang sponsors this event. The earlier you sign up, the better. This way we ensure there will be enough trophies made for everybody. Thanks to Rich Mulvey who supplies us with trophies each year!
What is the Go for the Bronze, Go for the Silver or Go for the Gold?
Each of these races allows drivers from all levels to get in some more race time.
The Go for the Bronze Race
The Go for the Bronze is an extra Championship race we run for the Street Stock Division. We run a single elimination bracket combining both male and female drivers. The last driver standing is the champion and they are awarded a trophy. This event is run the fifth Sunday on our schedule. It's run on bare rubber tires. It's a two lap heat race (instead of the regular one lap heat). Entry fee is $20 per driver (there are no discounted or free entries for this event). Anyone who competes in the Street Stock Division can enter the race. You can have 2 men and 2 women in each vehicle.
The Go for the Silver/Gold Race
The Go for the Silver is an extra Championship race we run for the Pro Street Division, the Go for the Gold is for the Competition division. We run a single elimination bracket combining both male and female drivers. The last driver standing is the champion and they are awarded a trophy. These events are run on the final Saturday on our schedule. It's run on studded tires. It's a two lap heat race (instead of the regular one lap heat). Entry fee is $20 per driver (there are no discounted or free entries for this event). Anyone who competes in the Pro Street/Competition Division can enter the race. You can have 2 men and 2 women in each vehicle.
The Cheater Invitational is the BIG Championship race. All season long we run cheater events. Drivers compete in these events to earn a position in the Invitational. If you finish in the top five you earn points towards the Invitational. The top 8 drivers from the Women's class and the top 8 drivers from the Men's class at the end of the season are invited to participate in the Invitational. These 16 drivers pick numbers and are placed into a single elimination bracket. Winners advance and continue racing until there is only one driver left. Drivers get a plaque and hold onto the traveling trophy until next season. The Invitational is run the morning on the last Sunday of the season. Since drivers earn their positions, invitations are extended and there are no additional fees to pay. This is a great race to watch because cheaters is very fast paced and the best drivers of the season are competing against one another.
How are points awarded for the Division Point Championships?
We have 6 Divisions and all of these Divisions have their own point race. At the end of the season, the top earner and the runner up are recognized. The Competition Division has 18 point earning events, the Pro Street Division has 12 point earning events and the Street Stock Division 6 point earning events. Only the drivers that finish in the top five of each event can earn points:
1st Place = 5 points
2nd Place = 4 points
3rd Place = 3 points
4th Place = 2 points
5th Place = 1 point
We do not recognize ties in the point race. The tie breakers are applied in the following order:
1. The driver with the most first place finishes.
2. The driver with the most second place finishes.
3. The driver with the most third place finishes.
4. The driver with the most fourth place finishes.
5. A tie breaker race between the drivers in the tie. The winner gets top position.
Point brackets are updated after each weekend and available to see at the Registration Trailer and here on the website.
Our Gang Members are all volunteers who join Our Gang 4 Wheelers, Inc to help put on the ice races. Members wear yellow jackets while on the ice. Members take care of all aspects of the races; planning, promotions, rule revisions, track set up, tech inspections, registration, assisting drivers, flagging, staging, safety and sponsorship. They work hard to put on the events and put in extra time and attend meetings. Therefore, members, especially Officers, have perks available to them (discounted race entry and the ability to vote on issues).
Everyone is welcome to join Our Gang. We have members from all divisions and levels of experience. You fill out an application and turn it into our Club Secretary before the first race of the season. Members need to apply every season. The deadline for 2012 is December 30, 2011. Once you do this, you can buy prepays at meetings and vote. There are no requirements or mandatory attendance. Help on the weekends flagging or start attending meetings and join a committee. We need all the help we can get! Contact Andrea Olson (Secretary) for more information at membership@ourgangiceracing.com.
Yes, you can attend an Our Gang Meeting even if you're not a member or if you've never competed before. We welcome everyone to come and see what goes on and how Our Gang opperates. If you have questions, concerns or an idea you'd like to present, the meetings are the best place to do it. Some topics may be tabled (i.e. rule changes) to a future meeting. Also, it's important to note that only current Our Gang Members may vote on issues brought up. Meetings are held on Tuesdays at 7:30 pm after each race weekend. We meet at the Brunswick Zone Bowling Alley off of I-70 and Kipling. The meeting room is next to the arcade, you can get directions at the main desk.
Protests are the way we ensure a fair racing environment. There are 2 ways in which a protest can be filed. The first is to protest an Our Gang error. Only those involved may file a protest. To do this you must go to the Head Official involved ASAP (ie: right after your heat), this ensures the best decision will be made. The Center Ice Official if you're protesting a call made on the track , The Head of Staging Official if you're protesting a staging decision, or The Tech Committee if you're protesting placement in a division. The officials will only talk with you if you're calm and in control; you will be held responsible if you act inappropriately. They will investigate your protest, if all the rules were followed and the officials involved stand behind the decision made, the decision will be FINAL. The second type of protest, allows you to protest another driver or vehicle. You must go to the President ASAP. At this time $50 cash deposit is due. Protests can only be made by the individuals involved and you can only protest rule book infractions and cheating. The claim will be investigated, if it's upheld the cash will be returned, if denied the deposit will be retained by Our Gang 4 Wheelers, Inc. for defrayment of costs. Every driver up there is governed by the same set of rules and method of officiating. We strive to keep it as fair as possible no matter your division, experience or relation to Our Gang.
Why can't the Street Stock class run a "rough" or "fast" track?
"Rough" or "fast" tracks are the tracks used from cheaters the day before. There are two reasons the Street Stock division doesn't run these tracks. The first reason is safety. The grooves and burms in these tracks along with faster speeds increase the risk of injury and roll-over. The second reason is equipment. These tracks can be really tough on equipment. The lower profile cars that run Street Stock get stuck, can damage low hanging parts, tires get knocked off their bead and sometimes more serious equipment failures occur because of the rough tracks. If you want to run a "rough" or "fast" track in bare rubber, bring a helmet and register for Pro Street.
My vehicle isn't Four Wheel Drive or All Wheel Drive, Can I Still Race?
Sorry, we do not allow vehicles that aren't Four Wheel Drive or All Wheel Drive to participate in any of our events (races, practice, etc...). There are other clubs in Colorado that put on races for non four wheel drive vehicles, you can check with them about participating.
My vehicle doesn't fit in the rules, Can I come up & play on the ice on the sidelines?
No, for safety and insurance purposes, only vehicles running in the organized events can be on the ice. Even then, those not running in an event must remain parked until it's their turn. There are other clubs in Colorado that run ice races, you can check around to find races for your vehicle.
Do you have / Will you create classes for Quads, motorcycles, side by sides or snowmobiles?
No, Our Gang runs a full schedule with our current classes and events. We appreciate your interest in ice racing, but we have decided to stay with full size Four Wheel Drive vehicles in our events. There are other clubs in Colorado that hold ice races special for some of these vehicles, we encourage you to contact them and get involved with their events.
Can I attend just one race or do I have to run all weekend or all season?
Yes, you can enter just one race. You can attend any one race, whether it's the first or last weekend. For those of you wondering about Championship Weekend, yes you can come up that weekend even if you've never raced before. We call it Championship Weekend, because it's the weekend we run all of our extra Championship races and finish out the points races.
No. Jeeps are popular in our club, but you do not need one to race. You do need to have a vehicle that is Four Wheel Drive or All Wheel Drive to participate. In our Street classes we've had Nissan Xterras, Saturn VUEs, Land Rovers, Toyota 4Runners, BMWs, Subaru WRX's, Isuzu Amigos, Jeep Cherokees, Ford Explorers, Toyota FJ's, Kia Sportages, Suzuki Samurai's, Ford Broncos, Infinitis, Chevy Blazers, Dodge Durangos, Audis, Trucks of all sizes, you get the idea. If you want to race, bring it up!
This race is open to Street Stock competitors and is run after the regular bare rubber races have been completed. Basically, it is another chance for Street Stock drivers to compete. Entry into this race is half price ($10) and we combine men and women drivers together. Everyone races off until we have one winner. At the beginning of the season we offer a cash prize and each time someone wins Second Chance, they are eligible to win part or all of the cash. The cash pot is rolled over to the next week until it is exhausted. Drivers who are experienced and placed well the previous season are only eligible to win part of the cash, while other drivers can win more. If you are in the upper divisions (Pro Street or Competition), we will be doing Second Chance races for you in 2012. Competition will run cheaters on 2 Saturdays and Pro Street will run studs on another 2 Saturdays.
