In the years of 1986, 1987 and again in 1992, Juri Ivanov from Russia was the world-champion in Iceracing as well as appearing in the latest final. In Assen, Juri Ivanov used Jakovlev machine, but it was his spare machine (featured on this page) that was of particular interest.

With the assistance of a Czech journalist, Ben Ludolphy was recently able to ask Juri about this particular intriguing machine and kindly sent me these pictures*, together with some insight to it's origins. This machine was made in a special steel works factory that also make parts for Kalashnikov machine guns and other special weapons for the Russian army.

An other product of this factory are the 28 mm long special spikes, approx 100 in the front, and up to 180 in the rear tyres used on iceracers, and indeed, all spikes used in iceracing comes from this very factory. The factory is situated in Vjasske Poljani (hope this spelling is correct). With the orders from the Russian army drying up, the factory is looking for new products to manufacture, this iceracing machine (which we shall call Ivanov), is one of these new products.

The finished article looks pretty impressive and the total layout, welding and used materials are of a very high standard. Also on this machine (again in the TIBO style with vertical forward engine) was a monoshock prolink rear suspension system.

Hopefully, we shall see more of this one in the future.