The inaugural NASCAR Whelen Euro Series Ice Race has been postponed indefinitely due to ongoing global supply chain issues, the series announced Tuesday.
The event was scheduled to be run March 4-5 in Rovaniemi, Finland, the home of Santa Claus.
The series tested a 400-horsepower car on an ice track March 26, 2021, in Val Thorens, France.
Organizers planned for competitors to drive on three different ice tracks in Finland -- a 3.2-kilometer (1.98-mile) long track, a 2.4-kilometer (1.49-mile) circuit and a 2.0-kilometer (1.2-mile) long track.
Teams were to have special studded tires, along with a kit that included a short rear gear ratio, shock absorbers and cold protection equipment.
Getting all the supplies to teams was not possible, leading to the indefinite postponement.
“It is really unfortunate, and we feel sorry for all the NASCAR fans eagerly waiting for this event to take place,” said Jerome Galpin, series president and CEO, in a statement. “With the current situation, it is difficult to get every component we need to prepare the cars for this kind of event.
“As we do for all the events of the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series, we want to deliver with the Ice Race the best possible experience for everyone at the track and at home, so we prefer to take the time to have optimal conditions. This event should be the highlight of a new concept and we want it to be perfect.”
The 2023 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series is now scheduled to begin May 6-7 at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain.