Drag Racing Action Online  Story Shane Sweigart and Phil Hutchison

Images Bob Reed 

With the Northeast in the grips of very untypical, long-time freeze with lots of snow, drag racing was not on the top of everyone’s list. The temps never got above freezing for weeks. Those conditions did not deter the crew at Maple Grove Dragway. Plows and other equipment were used extensively to clear the track and make way for the faithful. The turnout wasn’t as large at is would have been if Mother Nature had cooperated, but the racers and fans turned out.

And like the 2026 opener, New Years at the Grove, racing was conducted at the Ice Breaker from the top end of the track with racers coming up the track vs going down. ETs didn’t matter. It was who got to the stripe first. And the racers enjoyed the flashlight starts vs a normal Christmas Tree to get the race started. And there was plenty of wild cars on hand with turbo’s ruling the roost. And all of this was on a No Prep track which made racing a wild affair 

Mike Walden, far lane, went home a winner at the Ice Breaker diving his Mustang

Maple Grove manager, Shane Sweigart said, “The Icebreaker has never been a large event, but it has always served an important purpose — giving racers and fans a chance to shake off the winter and get back to the track.”

“For many of us, it’s the unofficial start of the season and a reminder that racing is right around the corner. This year, the event truly lived up to its name. With a significant amount of snow still on the ground, a lot of work went into preparing the facility. Snow had to be plowed off the racing surface and throughout the parking lots just to make the event possible. It took a fair amount of pre-event preparation to get everything ready, but the team pushed through to make it happen.”

Matt Lantz’s sharp Formula Firebird was runner up in Stick

“As expected, the number of cars was not large, which is typical for the Icebreaker. This event has never been about massive car counts — it’s about getting everyone back together after a long winter. Despite the smaller field, the racing itself was excellent and the spectator turnout was strong. The loyal group of racers and fans who support winter events at Maple Grove once again showed up, and their support does not go unnoticed.”

“There were moments leading up to the event where canceling crossed my mind, given the conditions. However, Kyle Beswick was determined to stay the course, and in the end I’m glad we did. Events like this remind us just how fortunate we are to have such a dedicated group of racers and spectators who are willing to come out even in the toughest conditions. Winter may not be completely behind us yet, but the Icebreaker did exactly what it’s meant to do — get the season started.

Andrew Ricketts’ quick Nissan was the car in Stick at the Ice Breaker

After the Daily Drivers race, along with Burgers and Burnies and the Spring Swap meet, the 2026 Maple Grove season officially begins late March with Test N Tune, and a Gamblers race to kick things off