The F.A.T. Ice Race in Zell am See has swiftly become a hallmark event in the motorsport calendar, blending rich automotive heritage with contemporary enthusiasm. Initiated in 2019 by Ferdinand ‘Ferdi’ Porsche, the event aims to rejuvenate the classic ice racing tradition for a new generation, emphasizing the cultural significance of automobiles over mere competition. And the real enthusiast know that this is just a revival, since the inaugural Ice race took place back in 1952 in Zell am See.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Austria’s snow-clad mountains, the 2025 edition attracted approximately 5,500 attendees. The event showcased a diverse array of vehicles, from historically significant models to modern marvels, all navigating the challenging icy terrain. A highlight was the skijoring segment, where skiers are towed by cars, adding a dynamic and thrilling dimension to the festivities.
The Porsche Taycan, the brand’s flagship electric sports car, demonstrated its prowess on the icy track. Equipped with dual motors, the Taycan offers precise torque distribution, allowing for impressive drifting capabilities even under slippery conditions. A professional driver noted, “The advantage offered by the two completely independently controllable motors on the axles is absolutely priceless. It’s like having four accelerator pedals.”
The event also featured a “rolling museum” from the Porsche Museum, with iconic models taking to the ice. Notably, the Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 4×4 Paris-Dakar (953), which clinched victory in the 1984 Paris Dakar Rally, was driven by brand ambassador Timo Bernhard. He remarked, “A fabulous event. You can feel that everyone here has the Porsche brand in their hearts. There are lots of like-minded people here and you experience an incredible amount of positive energy.”
Another standout was the Porsche 550 Spyder, commemorating its remarkable performance in the 1954 Carrera Panamericana, where it secured third and fourth places overall, surpassing many more powerful competitors.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Ferdi Porsche stated, “We always wanted to do something for the next generation. That’s how we started. Today we saw more than 5,000 car enthusiasts here in good spirits, having fun and in an unbelievably good mood. Our motto this year was ‘Fun over Speed’. And that’s the atmosphere here. Everyone enjoys the time here at the F.A.T. Ice Race.”
The F.A.T. Ice Race exemplifies how tradition can be revitalized to resonate with contemporary audiences, ensuring that the passion for motorsport endures across generations.
Pictures courtesy Porsche Newsroom
