Ice Race Track Guide

Complete Guide to the Jäärata — Finland's Frozen Lake Folk Racing

📍 Location: Lake Peräjärvi
📅 Every Other Weekend
⏱️ Read Time: 15 min
🎮 Version: Early Access (Dec 2025)

📖 Table of Contents

⚠️ Early Access Notice

This guide is based on My Winter Car Early Access (December 2025). The ice racing feature is still under development — rewards and mechanics may change in future updates.

1. What is the Ice Race Track?

The Ice Race Track (Finnish: Jäärata) is a frozen lake racing venue in My Winter Car where you can compete in folk racing events, known locally as "jokkis". This is one of the most exciting activities in the game, offering intense wheel-to-wheel racing on slippery ice surfaces.

Feature Details
Event Type Folk Race (Jokkis) — Ice Track Racing
Location Lake Peräjärvi (frozen surface)
Schedule Every other weekend (alternates with Rally Sprint)
Race Days Friday (Practice), Saturday (Heats), Sunday (Finals)
Competition Multiple AI opponents in heat races
🏁 Folk Racing Tradition

Folk racing (jokamiehenluokka or "jokkis") is a popular motorsport tradition in Finland and Scandinavia, where everyday cars race on dirt or ice tracks. The emphasis is on affordable, accessible racing with minimal regulations.

2. Finding the Ice Track Location

The ice race track is located on the frozen surface of Lake Peräjärvi, the large lake in the center of the game world.

Exact Location

The track is situated between Peräjärvi town center and the cottage island. You can access it by driving onto the frozen lake during winter.

📍 How to Get There
  1. Check your in-game map (found at parents' house above the telephone table)
  2. Look for the ice road markers on Lake Peräjärvi
  3. Drive towards the lake from Peräjärvi town center or the Ventti cabin side
  4. Enter the frozen lake surface and look for the marked race track area
  5. The track will have race infrastructure visible during event weekends

Lake Access Points

☕ Trackside Facilities

Near the ice track, there's a tent where you can grab coffee and grilled sausages — perfect for staying warm while watching the races or waiting for your heat!

3. Race Schedule & Format

The ice track race follows a structured weekend format, with different activities on each day. The event alternates every other weekend with the Rally Sprint race.

Weekend Schedule

FRIDAY Practice Day
  • Open practice sessions on the ice track
  • Learn the track layout and test your car
  • Important: Your fastest lap time determines your group for Saturday's heats
  • Use this time to find the racing line and adjust your setup
SATURDAY Qualifying Heats
  • Race Format: 2-lap heat races
  • Grouped based on Friday practice times
  • 1st or 2nd Place: Advance directly to Sunday semifinals
  • 3rd or 4th Place: Enter the "PICKUP" race later on Saturday

PICKUP Race: If you finish 3rd-4th in your heat, you race again in the PICKUP event. Finish 1st-2nd to advance to semifinals, or 3rd-4th to be eliminated from this weekend's competition.

SUNDAY Semifinals & Finals
  • Race Format: 3-lap races (longer than Saturday)
  • Semifinals determine who advances to the final
  • The final race crowns the weekend's champion
Finish Position Saturday Heat Result PICKUP Race Result
1st - 2nd ✅ Advance to Semifinals ✅ Advance to Semifinals
3rd - 4th 🔄 Enter PICKUP Race ❌ Eliminated

4. Vehicle & Safety Requirements

To participate in the ice track races, your Corris Rivett must meet specific safety and equipment requirements. Make sure you have everything before race day!

Required Equipment (Mandatory)

Recommended Components

⚠️ Inspection Required

Your Corris Rivett must have a valid vehicle inspection to participate. Make sure to complete the inspection at the inspection shop before race weekend!

5. Car Preparation Tips

Optimize your Corris Rivett for ice racing with these preparation tips:

Weight Reduction (Removes for Performance)

Consider removing these non-essential items to reduce weight:

Performance Upgrades

Upgrade Benefit Priority
Racing Studded Tires Maximum ice traction Essential
Engine Upgrades More power for acceleration High
Sandbags (2+) Rear-end traction High
Lower Gear Ratio Better acceleration Medium
Limited-Slip Differential Better power delivery Medium
🎮 Controller Recommendation

Ice racing requires precise inputs. It's highly recommended to use a steering wheel rather than keyboard controls for better control on the slippery surface.

6. Racing Strategy & Tips

Ice racing is unlike any other motorsport — the low-friction surface demands patience and finesse. Here are key strategies for success:

Driving Techniques

🎯 Smooth Inputs Are Key

The ice surface has an extremely low coefficient of friction. Sudden braking or aggressive steering will cause you to lose control immediately.

  • Apply throttle gradually
  • Brake early and gently
  • Make smooth, progressive steering inputs
  • Anticipate turns well in advance
🏎️ Maintain a Predictable Racing Line
  • Stick to a consistent racing line — erratic movements cause accidents
  • Watch for other cars, especially in corners
  • Be aware of leaders coming up behind you
  • Give space when being overtaken
💥 Pick Your Battles

If faced with an unavoidable collision:

  • Choose the snowbank over another car — snowbanks are softer and less damaging
  • Avoid aggressive contact that could damage your car or end your race
  • Remember: finishing is better than crashing out while fighting for position
🚨 Common Mistakes to Avoid
  • Over-driving: Pushing too hard leads to spins
  • Late braking: You need much more stopping distance on ice
  • Aggressive steering: Will cause understeer or snap oversteer
  • Cold tires: Take the first few laps carefully to build tire temperature

7. Rewards & Current Status

As of the Early Access release (December 2025), the ice racing feature is still under development.

⚠️ Current Status: No Prize Money

Currently, there are no trophies or prize money awarded for winning ice track races. The racing exists for the experience and challenge itself. This may change in future updates as Amistech continues developing the game.

Why Race Anyway?

Related Guides

Prepare for racing and explore more of My Winter Car:

Last updated: February 2026 | Based on My Winter Car Early Access (December 2025 release)