Off-road truck racing is normally reserved for the dirt speedways of summer, spring and fall, but there is nothing usual about Red Bull Frozen Rush. First explored by three-time TORC Series Champion Ricky Johnson in February 2013 at Mount Snow ski resort in West Dover, Vt., the 49-year-old former motocross and supercross athlete enjoyed the challenge of taking on uncharted territory like soft snow, steep terrain, ice and freezing temperatures and wanted more off-road drivers to experience the thrill.

“I was really inspired by what my Pro4 could do when challenged with the unique terrain earlier this year. 2013 was a small step to the real thing,” said Johnson. “I’m excited to see what these trucks are made of when the action of racing in a head-to-head is thrown in there. There is a lot to look forward to.”

Conquering the slopes doesn’t come without its set of technical challenges. Each racing truck must be specifically modified in order to adapt to the harsh weather conditions. One-of-a-kind, studded and specially designed Mud-Terrain tires from BFGoodrich’s Research and Development team will arm the veteran motorsports racers as they attempt the nearly mile long course, rising over 550 vertical feet before beginning their decent.

Located just a few hours north of Boston in southwestern Maine, skiers and snowboarders will share the contours of Sunday River’s North Peak with 4×4 racing trucks blazing the trails, launching jumps and dodging slalom gates while controlling speed and outpacing their opponents.  The race format will be a head-to-head, bracketed, single elimination with two drivers on course at a time. The United States Auto Club, one of auto racing’s leading governing bodies and an international motorsports authority, has sanctioned the race and will oversee safety and competition.

Red Bull Frozen Rush will air on NBC in 2014 as part of the Red Bull Signature Series.