The F.A.T. Ice Race 2025 in Zell am See, Austria, celebrated its fifth edition with a fusion of historic legacy and modern innovation, attracting over 5,000 motorsport enthusiasts. This unique event, revived in 2019 by Ferdinand “Ferdi” Porsche, has quickly become a hallmark in the automotive calendar, blending racing with cultural festivities.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Austrian Alps, the race has evolved into more than just a showcase of motorsport prowess—it is a meeting ground for collectors, racers, industry leaders, and creatives who share a passion for cars, design, and performance. What began as a grassroots effort to revive a historic event has transformed into a globally recognized celebration of speed, style and heritage, drawing in legendary drivers, luxury automotive brands and a new generation of enthusiasts eager to experience the thrill of racing on ice.
A Heritage of Ice Racing
The origins of the F.A.T. Ice Race trace back to 1952, when skijoring — skiers being towed by motorbikes — debuted on the frozen surfaces near Zell am See. This daring sport laid the foundation for what would become one of Austria’s most unique motorsport traditions, bringing together adrenaline-fueled competition and breathtaking Alpine scenery. The event quickly gained momentum, with legendary Porsche models like the 356 and 550 Spyder competing on ice, solidifying the brand’s deep-rooted connection to the region. Over the decades, the race evolved, welcoming both professional drivers and amateur enthusiasts, before coming to an abrupt halt in 1974. A tragic accident on the frozen lake that year led to the event’s cancellation, leaving a void in the motorsport world that would remain unfilled for 45 years.
The revival of the Ice Race in 2019 was no ordinary comeback — it was a passion project led by Ferdi Porsche to reconnect a new generation with the motorsport traditions of the past. From the outset, the goal was to create more than just a nostalgic reenactment; it had to be an event that embraced the cultural and technological shifts shaping the future of automotive performance. This vision has materialized, with the event growing into a high-profile showcase of both heritage and innovation. Today, vintage icons like the Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 4×4 Paris-Dakar and the 962 Dauer Le Mans GT share the ice with cutting-edge machines like the Taycan and the 911 Dakar, proving that performance and passion for motorsport know no boundaries. With the addition of an Aspen, Colorado edition, the F.A.T. Ice Race is no longer just a European tradition — it’s a global celebration of speed, style and the spirit of motorsport.
Porsche Highlights of the 2025 Edition
As would be expected from the headlining partner, this year’s event showcased a remarkable range of Porsche vehicles, from vintage classics to cutting-edge models, underscoring the event’s commitment to diversity and excellence.
The Porsche Museum unveiled treasures like the 911 Carrera 3.2 4×4 Paris-Dakar (953), the victor of the 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally and the 959 Paris-Dakar, which dominated the 14,000-kilometer rally in 1986. The 962 Dauer Le Mans GT, responsible for Porsche’s 13th overall win at Le Mans in 1994, also graced the icy track, offering spectators a glimpse into the brand’s racing history.
Taking things into the modern era, the all-electric Porsche Taycan demonstrated its prowess on snow and ice, providing taxi rides that highlighted its advanced torque distribution. Additionally, the Porsche 911 Dakar, inspired by the 1984 rally winner, showcased its off-road ability.
Standout Collaborations
The 2025 event was distinguished by strategic collabs that made the experience that much more unique, with names like Porsche Design, Audi, Specialized x BBUC and more.
In a unique blend of cycling and motorsport cultures, F.A.T. International teamed up with cycling brands Specialized and BBUC to unveil a limited-edition Tarmac SL8 frame. Dubbed the “Racing Dream,” this collaboration celebrated the thrill of racing across disciplines, with only 25 units produced, each priced at €8,000 EUR. The frame made its official debut at the F.A.T. Ice Race, symbolizing the event’s commitment to cross-industry innovation.
Porsche Design introduced a limited-edition timepiece honoring the legendary Porsche 962 race car. With only 136 pieces available, the Chronograph 1 – F.A.T. 2025 Edition features design elements inspired by the 962, including luminous details and a silhouette of the race car on the hour counter. This collaboration speaks to Porsche’s longstanding connection with motorsports and its dedication to precision engineering.
Audi made a significant impact at the 2025 F.A.T. Ice Race by unveiling its Q6 e-tron Offroad Concept, a prototype that reimagines electric off-road capabilities. Equipped with dual electric motors delivering a combined 380 kW, the vehicle features innovative portal axles enabling it to tackle gradients up to 100 percent (45 degrees). The concept’s design includes a 6.3-inch increase in ride height and a 9.8-inch wider track, enhancing its off-road prowess.
Cultural Fusion
Beyond the thrilling races, the F.A.T. Ice Race has evolved into a cultural festival, intertwining lifestyle, fashion and the global automotive community. The event’s ambiance, set against the picturesque Austrian Alps, provided a vibrant backdrop for enthusiasts of all ages. Interactive displays, like the Porsche Design Timepieces exhibition, engaged attendees, while the traditional skijoring events paid homage to the race’s origins, blending athleticism with automotive flair.
Looking ahead, the F.A.T. Ice Race continues to build on its legacy, fostering a community where motorsport aficionados and cultural enthusiasts converge. As it grows, the event remains a testament to the enduring allure of combining speed, tradition and innovation on the icy stages of Zell am See.
Check out all of the happenings from this year’s event — which Hypebeast experienced first-hand — in the video below:
View this post on Instagram
The post The F.A.T. Ice Race: Motorsport Celebration at Its Finest appeared first on Hypebeast.
