Xtreme International Ice Racing (XIIR) returns to the PNW bringing heart-pounding action to Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. On January 30th, they’re back for Round 3 of their 2026 tour. I recently sat down with Anthony Barlow, nine-time world champion and longtime promoter, to discuss what makes this event so special and why ice racing continues to captivate audiences across the country.
A Legacy of Adrenaline on Ice
“It’s one of our premium events,” Barlow explains, reflecting on over a decade of racing in Everett, WA. “We get solid crowds every year and a lot of local support from some of the riders. We get anything from 3,000 to 5,000 every year watching it.”
What sets XIIR apart isn’t just the spectacle of studded bikes and quads tearing across the ice at breakneck speeds, it’s the format itself. As someone who spent 10 years racing Speedway professionally in Europe and was sponsored by Red Bull, Barlow brings a unique perspective to American motorsports.
When asked about the choice to race indoors rather than on frozen lakes or outdoor tracks, Barlow is passionate about the arena experience stating, “It’s about accessibility for both racers and fans. It’s a show with anything from 25 to 35 races, and I just think it’s very prestigious to be in an arena.”
Where Locals Compete with the Pros
One of the most compelling aspects of XIIR is the level playing field. Unlike many professional racing series, local riders regularly compete, and win, against seasoned pros. Barlow mentioned several Pacific Northwest racers who’ve made their mark over the years including: Shelby Miller, Cole Frederickson, and Jacob Lyman.
“The beauty is the locals in Everett and around the area can compete against the pros, and nine times out of ten, the local guy wins,” Barlow explains. He recalls a memorable moment from three years ago when 58-year-old Barry O’Neill, who hadn’t raced in a decade, won a six-lap final after the pros collected each other on the first corner. “That’s ice racing. It doesn’t matter how good you are on the dirt. Anything can happen on the ice.”
No Practice, Just Pure Racing
What makes ice racing particularly challenging is the complete absence of practice. “We only have three inches of ice, so there’s no practice. Your first practice is your first race,” Barlow explains. He remembers his own introduction to American ice racing, flying all the way from England. “My first practice was my first race, and I finished fifth in the main. After that, I won three rounds.”
The format for the event follows a Speedway style rather than traditional flat track racing, consisting of four laps in the heats leading to a six-man final. Races are over in about 60 seconds, keeping the energy high and the action constant.
New Changes to the Championship Format
This year, XIIR has introduced a new championship structure that makes the series more accessible. Rather than requiring racers to travel the entire country, they’ve created three regional championships: East Coast, West Coast, and Midwest.
“It’s unfair for the guy that shows up on the East Coast that can’t travel to the Midwest or travel to the West Coast to do it all,” Barlow explains. For example, the West Coast championship includes Tahoe, Everett, and Idaho Falls races. Racers who compete in all three regions can still vie for the Grand National Championship.
What to Expect on January 30th
The event kicks off at 7:30 PM at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, WA.
Anyone with the proper equipment, specifically Kold Kutter Indoor Silver Rocket screws on their tires, can sign up and compete. The racing includes multiple classes, from Speedway bikes that go from 0 to 60 in under three seconds to unlimited outlaw four-wheeler quads that regularly steal the show.
The Heart of the Sport
As our conversation wrapped up, Barlow’s passion for the sport and its community was evident. “This isn’t just about promoting races, it’s about creating an experience where families can spend an evening together, where locals can compete on equal footing with professionals, and where motorsports remains accessible and exciting”.
Event Details:
- Date: Friday, January 30, 2026
- Time: 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Location: Angel of the Winds Arena, 2000 Hewitt Ave, Everett, WA
- Tickets: Available at angelofthewindsarena.com
For more information, visit xtremeiceracing.com
*Photos provided by XIIR
