Ice racing returns to Kahnawake 

For the first time since two cars plunged into the water two years ago, ice racing is back in town, with throngs of fans and racers showing up to the Kahnawake Marina on Sunday to mark the beginning of the season and let that snow fly.

The day was held in honour of Brandon White, the Kahnawa’kehró:non NASCAR driver who passed away from cancer far too soon at the age of 45 in 2020. Those who might have missed it can expect the Brandon White Memorial Ice Race to return – it was billed as the first annual.

White got countless community members involved in the sport as the coordinator of ice racing in Kahnawake, and many in attendance were eager to celebrate his memory, including family.

“We’re all so grateful and happy that people showed up for his legacy. It’s a memorial for him because everyone misses him so much. It’s something we get to do where we can all come together,” said Iotsi'tsanien Goodleaf, White’s sister, who reached out to commissioner Bryar Lawrence to suggest the first ice race of the year be held in White’s honour.

“I feel really happy and emotional because it’s such an emotional day,” she said.

The event raised money for Tetewatatia’takehnhahs, the cancer support organization responsible for the Purple Ribbon Walk.

“We’re doing it for the Purple Ribbon Walk, which has helped so many people in our community who got cancer and who are fighting cancer to this day. I wanted to make sure the money goes toward them,” said White.

All in all, the event raised $19,733 for Tetewatatia’takehnhahs, the organization announced.

“That everyone showed up was awesome. It’s nice to see a good turnout,” said Laurie Jacobs, White’s wife, who appreciated the way the event brought people together around an activity White was so passionate about.

“It's touching,” said Joann Patton, White’s aunt. “It warms my heart to think that we all still remember him. You know, we’re never going to forget him. He’s always going to be in our hearts.”

It was frosty near the ice, with winds pounding the circuit, but enthusiasm was anything but subzero. Plans to host a season last winter were thwarted by mild temperatures, but a cold spell brought conditions for the return of the sport, to the delight of fans and racers, with tires whipping the snow into the biting air. 

“You could see a bit,” said Ronnie Cross, who rode shotgun while his brother raced. “It depends how the snow is. If it's like today, you can't see that much.”

“It's really fun to be out here, and you couldn’t ask for a better weekend,” said racer Waha White, despite the low visibility and high winds.

Waha, Brandon’s nephew, got started racing on ice more than a decade ago when he was just around 10 years old. He was glad to see the event held in his uncle’s honour.

“I think it’s really cool in my opinion. He tried so hard for these events, and putting on these events is not an easy task,” he said.

Cash prizes were given out to the day’s winners and runners up, who will start the next leg of the season at the same level as everyone else; there will be no points system this year because the fragile weather means it’s difficult to predict how many events the season will include, Lawrence said.

Racers competed for their starting spot through heats leading up to the final races.

Studded front-wheel drive went to #34 Chris Mcadal, studded rear-wheel drive went to #08 Francis Lefebvre, and front-wheel drive rubber went to #0 Bryant Montour-Leblanc.

“Let’s say the Daytona 500 of the day is going to be the rear-wheel drive rubber class,” said Lawrence. That honour was taken by #3 Pat Dumouchel.

To the commissioner, it was an easy decision to hold the first event of the season in Brandon’s memory.

“He was so serious. He didn’t take it as just an ice race,” Lawrence said. “He took it like we were at NASCAR.”

Ice races are expected to take place again at the Kahnawake Marina tomorrow, Saturday, with registration kicking off at 10 a.m.

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