If your need for speed is feeling a little unfulfilled this winter, check out the AMA Racing-sanctioned Xtreme International Ice Racing Series. Traveling to three corners of the continental United States, as well as into Canada, the series offers some of the coolest speedway racing on ice from an elite international field that includes riders from England, Scotland and Poland.

"Speedway racing itself is already pretty intense. These guys are already attacking corners at full throttle, cocked completely sideways. Add ice and steel-studded tires to the mix, and the show is just out of this world," said Ken Saillant, AMA Racing flat-track director.

Speedway motorcycles are purpose-built for the sport, with methanol-burning engines and no brakes. Their unique layout and design is unlike traditional motorcycles, but is perfectly suited to the high corner speeds and rapid acceleration that define the sport. Speedway bikes go from 0 to 60 mph in less than 3 seconds and the racing, particularly through the corners, is exceptionally tight.

"When it comes to power-to-weight ratios, Speedway bikes are some of the most impressive out there," said Anthony Barlow, who promotes the series as well as competes himself. "They weigh 180 pounds and make 90 bhp at the rear wheel. With 2,000 studs in the back wheel putting that power to the ice, and 1,000 studs in the front keeping that power moving in the right direction, it's amazing to watch."

Plus, with all riders on similar machinery -- 500cc four-stroke, four-valve, single-cylinder, single-speed motorcycles -- the racing is exceptionally tight and rider skill often determines who comes out on top.

"Speedway racing is all about action on the track," Barlow said. "You can expect to be entertained the full length of the program, as there's very little downtime. Depending on the number of entries, you can expect 20 to 25 races a night. We also have an unlimited outlaw four-wheeler class and the Supertrapp Dash for Cash. It's an action-packed show, for sure."

The 2009 AMA XiiR Series kicks off on Jan. 24 in St. Charles, Mo. It moves to Everett, Wash. on Jan. 31, Tampa, Fla. on Feb. 8, Springfield, Mass. on Feb. 13-14 and then Elmira, N.Y. on Feb 20-21.

The series then goes to British Columbia for two rounds in Dawson Creek, March 13-14 and Penticton, March 20-21 before wrapping up in Wenatchee, Wash, with a doubleheader on March 28-29.

For more details on the series visit www.xiir.com