Stories from F.A.T. ICE 2026!
About this episode
Zach and Matt share their experience at the inaugural F.A.T. ICE race in Big Sky, Montana, describing it as more of a lively party than a traditional race. They discuss the diverse range of cars, from exotic supercars like Pagani and Lamborghini to rally cars and budget builds, highlighting the event's unique blend of motorsport and entertainment. The hosts also touch on the challenges of the icy track conditions, the fun and chaos of the weekend, and their Airbnb adventures. The episode captures the spirited atmosphere and the mix of serious driving and social fun that defines this new ice racing event.
Matt Farah and Zack Klapman have returned from the frigid motorsport party that is F.A.T. ICE RACE 2026 held in Big Sky, MT and they have stories! Rare cars were slid (and in some cases, crashed), race cars went slowly, rev limiters were hit, rally cars rallied, and the beats banged.
We tell you who was there, what happened, the cars we want to bring for next year, and what it's like learning to drift in front of 2000 people.
Then we answer Patreon questions including:
BMW 230i coupe for a fun used buy?
Past content we screwed up
Which Italian design studio we'd most want to work with
Are white wheels ever good?
Ford's new cheap EV truck idea
Best used supercar
Will the car market soften in 20 years?
Do we like aesthetic special editions?
And more!
Recorded March 2, 2026
SHOW NOTES
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moving violation
"If you get a moving violation of any kind any size in America don't plead guilty off the record comm"
A moving violation means you broke a traffic rule while driving, like going too fast or not stopping at a stop sign. This can cause you to get a ticket or fine.
A moving violation is any traffic offense committed by a driver while the vehicle is in motion, such as speeding or running a red light. These violations can lead to fines, points on a driver's license, or other penalties.
Aston Martin Valhalla
"...en ice race and going to Spain lol for the Aston Valhalla I'll be fun at the oh my gosh my glasses are so ..."
The Aston Martin Valhalla is a very fast and fancy car that uses both gas and electric power. It’s made for people who love racing and luxury.
The Aston Martin Valhalla is a futuristic hybrid supercar combining cutting-edge technology with Aston Martin’s luxury and performance heritage. It’s designed for extreme driving experiences including track use.
ice race
"They were racing on a you know, if you go to a real ice race where they're like like an actual rally car like there aren't"
Ice racing means driving cars really fast on frozen lakes or ice-covered roads. The cars use special tires to not slip, and it's a tough sport because the ice is slippery.
Ice racing is a form of motorsport where cars race on frozen surfaces like lakes or rivers, often using special tires with studs for grip. It is popular in colder regions and requires unique driving skills due to the slippery conditions.
turbo
""There's a turbo Lamborghini Storato and the guy was absolutely fucking sending it a big angle entry""
A turbo is a part that helps a car's engine get more air so it can go faster and be stronger.
A turbocharger is a device that forces more air into the engine's combustion chamber, increasing power output without significantly increasing engine size.
Nissan Pulsar
"I mean, there was like Amelia went out with her Nissan Pulsar, which was pretty cool I cool"
The Nissan Pulsar is a small car made by Nissan that many people use for everyday driving. It's known for being reliable and easy to find.
The Nissan Pulsar is a compact car produced by Nissan, known for its practicality and popularity in various markets. It has been offered in multiple body styles and engine options over the years.
Volkswagen Beetle
"There's like in the background of this shot like there's Beatles, you know beatle with the antlers"
The Volkswagen Beetle is a small, round car that lots of people recognize because of its unique shape. It has been around for a long time and is very popular.
The Volkswagen Beetle is an iconic compact car originally produced from the 1930s through 2003, known for its distinctive rounded shape and rear-engine layout. It has a strong cultural and automotive legacy.
rally cars
"Full-on rally cars, you know, there was a whole whole section of full-on rally cars"
Rally cars are cars changed to race on rough roads like dirt and gravel. They have extra strong parts to keep them safe and fast.
Rally cars are specially modified vehicles designed to compete in rally racing, which involves driving on various surfaces like gravel, dirt, and tarmac. These cars often have reinforced suspensions, roll cages, and tuned engines to handle tough conditions.
Toyota Celica
"...e needs to be yeah, here's Ryan Ryan Turk in his Celica Rally car GT4 rally car. I think it was cooking ..."
The Toyota Celica is a small sporty car that was used in car races on dirt roads. It’s light and easy to drive fast.
The Toyota Celica is a sporty compact car with a history in rally racing, especially in GT4 rally events. It’s known for its lightweight design and agility.
rear-wheel drive
"had a rear-wheel drive Nissan Patrol with like 900 horsepower"
Rear-wheel drive means the car's engine sends power only to the back wheels, which can help the car go faster and handle better in some situations.
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is a drivetrain layout where the engine powers only the rear wheels, often preferred in performance cars for balanced handling and better acceleration dynamics.
900 horsepower
"had a rear-wheel drive Nissan Patrol with like 900 horsepower"
Horsepower tells you how strong a car's engine is. 900 horsepower means the car is very powerful and fast.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for engine power. 900 horsepower indicates an extremely powerful engine, capable of very high performance but also challenging to control.
Formula Drift championship
"This is a guy who's won the formula drift championship like multiple times like talent not in question"
Formula Drift is a type of car race where drivers slide their cars around corners on purpose. Winning the championship means the driver is very good at this.
Formula Drift is a professional drifting series where drivers compete by sliding their cars sideways through courses. Winning the championship multiple times indicates a highly skilled driver.
winter tires
""uh, and you know winter tires um""
Winter tires are special tires that help cars drive better on snow and ice. They keep the car from slipping and help you stay safe when it's cold outside.
Winter tires are specialized tires designed to provide better traction and handling in cold weather conditions, especially on snow and ice. They have unique rubber compounds and tread patterns optimized for low temperatures and slippery surfaces.
understeer
""Like the car is clearly like responding to inputs like we're getting some understeer""
Understeer happens when the front wheels don’t grip the road well, so the car doesn’t turn as much as you want. It feels like the car is sliding straight instead of turning.
Understeer is a handling characteristic where the front tires lose grip before the rear tires, causing the car to turn less sharply than intended. It often feels like the car is 'pushing' wide in a corner.
oversteer
""But also like a good amount of oversteer""
Oversteer happens when the back wheels lose grip and slide out, making the car turn more than you expect. It can make the car spin if not controlled.
Oversteer is a handling condition where the rear tires lose grip before the front tires, causing the car's rear to swing out and the car to turn more sharply than intended.
power band
"I could make use of the the top end of the power band. So I realized actually But by the way this as a driver it's a commitment because"
The power band is the part of the engine's speed where it works best and gives the most power. Drivers want to keep the engine running in this range to go faster.
The power band refers to the range of engine speeds (RPM) where the engine produces its optimal power and torque. Drivers often try to keep the engine within this range for best performance.
loose surface
"So if you are not familiar with your car on a loose surface and and these the walls As they warned us and as we saw unfortunately a few quite a few times. They are not soft. They are hard"
A loose surface means the ground is not hard or smooth, like dirt or gravel. Cars can slide more on these surfaces, so driving is trickier.
A loose surface refers to a driving surface like gravel, dirt, or sand where traction is reduced compared to paved roads. Driving on loose surfaces requires different techniques and car setups.
Bentley
"I'm already kind of working Bentley a little bit to drive that Continuation 1929 blower car mike who is the Bentley mike rolls."
Bentley is a famous car company from Britain that makes very fancy and powerful cars that are also comfortable and stylish.
Bentley is a British luxury automobile manufacturer known for its high-performance and handcrafted cars, often associated with luxury grand tourers and historic racing cars.
carbon fiber
""I was impressed and excited to see the the not just the variety of metal and actually carbon fiber that was out there but like""
Carbon fiber is a special, very light and strong material used in some cars to make them faster and better to drive.
Carbon fiber is a lightweight and strong material commonly used in high-performance and exotic cars to reduce weight and improve structural rigidity.
Ferrari Enzo
"Just you know the enzo that tapped the wall the first day. Yeah, and it went out when it pulled out of the start line"
The Ferrari Enzo is a very fast and special car made by Ferrari. It was built in small numbers and has a cool design and powerful engine.
The Ferrari Enzo is a limited-production supercar produced by Ferrari from 2002 to 2004, named after the company's founder Enzo Ferrari. It is known for its advanced technology derived from Formula 1 and its distinctive design and performance.
spikes
"And the other guy is drilling spikes into them and every time they touch the blade to the tire... But someone at him like we we uh put the spikes in all these cars the night before and he had a bucket of them"
Spikes are small metal pieces put into tires to help cars not slip on ice or snow by digging into the ground.
Spikes are metal studs that can be inserted into tires to improve traction on ice or snow. They dig into the surface to prevent slipping and are commonly used in motorsports or driving in extreme winter conditions.
studded tire
"So yeah, what you guys had and what we were installing was like what you would get on a road legal studded tire... they were they were studded winter tires"
Studded tires have tiny metal pieces that stick out to help your car grip icy roads better so you don't slip.
A studded tire is a tire equipped with metal studs embedded in the tread to improve traction on icy or snowy surfaces, especially useful for winter driving or racing on ice.
rally school
"...like they could run a rally school if they wanted to in the summer"
A rally school is a place where people learn how to drive fast and safely on dirt or gravel roads, like in rally races. They teach you special driving skills for tricky surfaces.
A rally school is a driving school focused on teaching the skills needed for rally racing, including car control on loose surfaces like gravel or dirt, and techniques for high-speed driving on varied terrain.
VIP
"Like it's so photogenic and I will say that you know g a and vip get pretty much the same view of things like vip's like You're if you do g a you're not getting fucked on which corners you can look at and stuff"
VIP means you get special treatment at an event, like better seats, food, and places to hang out.
VIP stands for Very Important Person, a ticket type that provides access to premium areas, better views, hospitality, and other exclusive benefits at events.
GA
"Like it's so photogenic and I will say that you know g a and vip get pretty much the same view of things like vip's like You're if you do g a you're not getting fucked on which corners you can look at and stuff"
GA means you can go to an event but don't get special seats or extras like food or special areas.
GA stands for General Admission, a type of ticket that allows access to certain areas of an event without reserved seating or extra amenities.
Goodwood
"It's kind of like good wood in that way"
Goodwood is a special place in England where people have cool car events and you can get really close to the cars and drivers.
Goodwood is a famous estate in the UK known for hosting prestigious automotive events like the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival, which are celebrated for their accessibility and historic racing atmosphere.
Chevrolet Suburban
"They all just drive a white silver or black suburban. That's it. That's all anybody drops"
The Chevrolet Suburban is a big SUV that can carry lots of people and stuff. People use it when they need a strong car for things like going to ski houses.
The Chevrolet Suburban is a large full-size SUV known for its spacious interior and utility, often favored in areas requiring robust vehicles for activities like skiing or hauling gear.
key fob
"Caked in grime from fucking steam before key fobs were invented like when I was a valet... You had to write down the license plate because of this stuff because now you can just walk around and hit the button"
A key fob is a little gadget that lets you open or lock your car doors without using a regular key. You just press a button to unlock or lock your car.
A key fob is a small electronic device used to remotely lock, unlock, and sometimes start a car. It replaced older methods such as using physical keys or writing down license plates for identification.
Land Range Rovers
"European car service center so that your chi-ans and your range rovers and shit can get sir They should just have that because there's a lot of those people already have those cars and we just send them out"
The Range Rover is a fancy SUV that can drive on rough terrain but also has lots of nice features inside for comfort.
The Range Rover is a luxury SUV produced by Land Rover, known for its off-road capability combined with high-end comfort and technology.
Porsche Career Gt
"...ll the tell the story Yeah, because I saw like a career gt going through a lake. Yeah, yeah, and that's what..."
The Porsche Carrera GT is a very fast and special car that only a few people have. It’s known for being really exciting to drive.
The Porsche Carrera GT is a rare, high-performance supercar known for its V10 engine and advanced engineering. It’s often discussed due to its exclusivity and thrilling driving experience.
Ford Bronco
"...wheel drive which included Raptors and the giant bronco driven by loren healy like all these huge vehicle..."
The Ford Bronco is a tough car that can drive on rough roads and dirt easily. People like it because it looks cool and can go places normal cars can't.
The Ford Bronco is a rugged off-road SUV known for its strong 4-wheel drive capabilities, often compared to vehicles like the Ford Raptor. It has a significant following due to its combination of classic styling and modern off-road technology.
Porsche Cayenne
"...u have a regenerative braking system and fucking Cayenne brakes dude, you'll charge your battery so fast p..."
The Porsche Cayenne is a fancy big car that can charge its battery when you slow down. It drives fast and is comfortable for families too.
The Porsche Cayenne is a luxury SUV that combines high performance with practical features like regenerative braking, which helps recharge its battery in hybrid models. It's often praised for its sporty driving dynamics despite being an SUV.
BMW 230I
"...The clutch whispered thinking about getting a bmw 230i coop thoughts on the latest gen two series Sligh..."
The BMW 2 Series is a small fancy car that’s fun to drive and looks good. The 230i is a popular version that’s not too fast but still sporty.
The BMW 2 Series is a compact luxury coupe or convertible known for its sporty driving dynamics and premium features. The 230i model offers a balance of performance and efficiency.
Ford Mustang
"um Mustang geek says what do you think of fords low-cost ev ..."
The Ford Mustang is a famous fast car from America. Now, Ford is making cheaper electric Mustangs that run on batteries instead of gas.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car known for its powerful engines and sporty design. Recently, Ford has introduced low-cost electric versions, expanding the Mustang's appeal to EV enthusiasts.
Tesla Model
"...etimes it works um, you know, they made a better tesla model y with the mucky if you ask me but um I I"
The Tesla Model Y is a small electric car that can carry your family and drive far without gas. It has lots of smart features that get better with updates.
The Tesla Model Y is a popular electric compact SUV known for its long range, advanced technology, and over-the-air updates. It represents Tesla's push into the more affordable electric SUV market.
Toyota Corolla
"...5 000 you can have this small truck And it has a corolla motor in it or an electric ford powertrain in it...."
The Toyota Corolla is a small, reliable car that many people buy because it doesn’t break down easily and uses little gas.
The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling compact cars worldwide, known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. It’s often used as a base for other vehicles or powertrains due to its dependable engine.
Ford Maverick
"... Well, I don't know. It's like you could buy the maverick or you could buy a slate or you know a ford slate..."
The Ford Maverick is a small truck that’s easy to drive and doesn’t cost too much. It’s good for carrying stuff and everyday use.
The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck that offers practicality and affordability, often compared to other small trucks or crossovers. It appeals to buyers looking for a versatile vehicle with good fuel economy.
Nissan Leaf
"...if you have a a gardening company and all of your leaf blowers and shit are electric now Can you charge..."
The Nissan Leaf is a small car that runs only on electricity, so it doesn’t need gas. It’s good for city driving and easy to charge at home.
The Nissan Leaf is one of the first mass-market electric vehicles, known for its affordability and practicality in urban environments. It’s popular among those looking to switch to electric with a reliable, easy-to-charge car.
Mclaren 720S
"...set in a 720 for about 26 000 Yeah, I would do a 720s I was really staring at the 458 for a second bec..."
The McLaren 720S is a very fast and fancy car that looks amazing. It’s one of the best supercars you can buy.
The McLaren 720S is a supercar known for its extreme performance, advanced aerodynamics, and striking design. It’s often compared to other high-end sports cars like the Ferrari 458.
Ferrari 458
""I was really staring at the 458 for a second because of the sound""
The Ferrari 458 is a fast and exciting car that sounds really cool when you drive it. Many people like it because it looks great and is fun to drive.
The Ferrari 458 is a mid-engine sports car known for its naturally aspirated V8 engine and distinctive exhaust sound. It is praised for its driving dynamics and is a popular Ferrari model from the early 2010s.
Toyota Supra
"...t weren't blue chips. Yeah the gts t's and the na supras and and whatever, right? um"
The Toyota Supra is a fast and fun car that people like to make even faster. It’s famous because it looks cool and drives great.
The Toyota Supra is a legendary sports car celebrated for its performance and tuning potential, especially the earlier generations like the NA and GTS models. It’s a favorite among enthusiasts for its balance of power and handling.
Chevrolet Camaro
"um Voices off camaro arey Disabling a adas and liability. Oh, we spok..."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a strong and fast car from America that looks sporty. It has some safety features that can be turned on or off.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car known for its aggressive styling and powerful engines. Discussions often focus on its performance and features like driver assistance systems.
Fiat Brava
"...key ballers. I mean there were multiple Fiat 131 bravas, which I you know, you don't see in one place one..."
The Fiat Brava is a small car from Italy that’s easy to drive in the city. It looks different from other cars.
The Fiat Brava is a compact hatchback from the 1990s known for its distinctive styling and practical urban use. It’s less common today but remembered for its Italian design.
BMW M2
"...ecial editions cool or crap. For example the BMW m2 turbo design Uh, you know Porsche does heritage ..."
The BMW M2 is a small sporty car that’s quick and fun to drive. Some special versions look different and are more rare.
The BMW M2 is a compact high-performance coupe praised for its sharp handling and powerful engine. Special editions like the M2 Turbo Design add unique styling and exclusivity.
Mercury Villager
"... know, we must not Disperage the mercury nautica villager ever That's hallowed minivan"
The Mercury Villager is a big family car with lots of space inside. It was popular for carrying kids and stuff.
The Mercury Villager is a minivan produced in the 1990s and early 2000s, known for its family-friendly features and comfortable ride. It has a loyal following despite being overshadowed by competitors.
Volvo V90
"...amples, uh, this this uh, this person has a Volvo v90 CC ocean race a Julia quad super sport and a lot..."
The Volvo V90 is a big fancy car with lots of room and safety features. Some versions are made to drive better on rough roads.
The Volvo V90 is a luxury wagon known for its safety features, spacious interior, and Scandinavian design. The Cross Country (CC) Ocean Race edition adds rugged styling and enhanced capability.
Lotus Amir
"...v90 CC ocean race a Julia quad super sport and a lotus amir a Chapman bespoke edition If I saw you at a car ..."
The Lotus Emira is a new sporty car that’s light and fun to drive. Some special versions have extra cool features.
The Lotus Emira is a modern sports car that combines lightweight engineering with sharp handling, representing the brand’s latest design philosophy. Special editions like the Chapman Bespoke add unique customization.
Ariel Nomad
"But that would be very fun because it's like a street driven legends car essentially. Yeah, sam's aerial adam Our aerial nomad was was that was sam's car. Yeah sam's car that whoever drove it did it well Because they were sliding it very nicely."
The Ariel Nomad is a small, light car that you can drive on normal roads but is also good for driving on dirt or rough ground. It’s fun because it’s easy to control and can handle bumpy places well.
The Ariel Nomad is a lightweight, street-legal off-road vehicle known for its minimalist design and exceptional handling on rough terrain. It combines the agility of a sports car with off-road capability, making it popular among enthusiasts who want fun both on and off the road.
Porsche 944
"...ike that would be super cool that big was it like 944 the one that was like a trophy truck Yeah with t..."
The Porsche 944 is an older sports car that’s fun to drive and handles well. Some people use it for racing or special events.
The Porsche 944 is a classic sports car from the 1980s known for its balanced handling and front-engine layout. It has a dedicated fan base and is sometimes modified for motorsports.
Nissan R32
"...ar was rad. Yeah, that's such a cool thing. Yeah R32 skyline Rally car rally would be kick-ass actual..."
The Nissan Skyline is a fast and cool car from Japan that can drive well on all kinds of roads. The R32 is a popular model for racing.
The Nissan Skyline, especially the R32 generation, is a legendary Japanese sports car famous for its performance and all-wheel-drive system. It’s highly regarded in motorsports and car culture.
Ferrari Daytona
"...ike the chroma dora style Which is basically the ferrari Daytona wheel through"
The Ferrari Daytona SP3 is a very special and rare car that looks like old race cars. It has cool wheels and is very fast.
The Ferrari Daytona SP3 is a limited-edition supercar inspired by Ferrari’s classic racing heritage, featuring unique styling elements like the Chroma Dora style wheels. It represents Ferrari’s pinnacle of design and performance.
Porsche 911
"...ke that that simple thick spoke. I've seen it on 911 turbos and I've seen it on mustangs on you know, ..."
The Porsche 911 is a famous fast car that’s easy to drive and looks special. Its steering wheel is simple but works really well.
The Porsche 911 is an iconic sports car with a distinctive design and exceptional performance, often recognized by its simple yet functional steering wheel design. It has a rich heritage and is a benchmark for driving dynamics.
Mitsubishi Delica
"... my spider Uh, and I would like dug to drive the delica. Oh interesting. Yeah, that's a good one This pe..."
The Mitsubishi Delica is a big van that can drive on rough roads and carry many people or things. It’s good for camping and adventures.
The Mitsubishi Delica is a versatile van known for its off-road capability and spacious interior, popular among adventure and camper enthusiasts. It combines utility with ruggedness.
Dodge Nitro
"...my delorean back in the day and then nino's dodge nitro I think"
The Dodge Nitro is a medium-sized SUV that looks strong but isn’t very fancy inside. It was made about 15 years ago.
The Dodge Nitro is a mid-size SUV produced in the mid-2000s, recognized for its bold styling but criticized for average performance and interior quality. It’s often remembered as a less refined alternative to competitors.
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