What: World Championship Ice Racing When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23

Where: Androscoggin Bank Colisee

Tickets: The Androscoggin Bank Colisee Box Office, online at www.thecolisee.com or by calling 1-877-GO-TIX-GO

The fast and the furious racing on ice at the Colisee

LEWISTON – You’ll laugh, you’ll cry – and you might even see somebody get run over if you show up for Friday night’s World Championship Ice Racing event at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee.

Professional ice racers have spent the past winter traveling around the country and to Canada to compete in the events, which are a “rare and excellent opportunity” for both racers and spectators, promoter Gary Densford said last week.

The races are fast and intense, with a lot of contact, because of the small courses they’re run on, and spectators have the ability to sit so close to the action it’s almost unbelievable, he said. “You’re seeing the best there is in this sport,” Densford said.

“We have amateur classes for locals, and we open the sign-up gate at 1 p.m.,” Densford said.

Afterward, many racers give autographs and then enjoy hanging out with their fans, racers Chris Canepa and Kenny Malaguarnero said last week.

“It’s a good show,” Canepa said.