April 13, 2026 Blogs

Montana Mayhem — The USA Edition

In Big Sky, Clarios powered an inclusive, high-energy celebration of automotive diversity. Not just as a sponsor, but as enthusiasts, we united rugged off-roaders and elite sportscars, proving our tech thrives in Montana’s high-altitude extremes.
yellow porsche on track with optima racing truck

Across the Atlantic, the spirit of F.A.T. International moved to the rugged terrain of Big Sky, Montana. The 2026 USA edition brought a raw, "anything-goes" energy to the snow-covered course. Clarios arrived with an unexpected and  electrifying mix of machinery designed to highlight the versatility of the products and their many applications. On one end of the spectrum sat the surgical precision of car refinement giant RUF, a glowing yellow masterpiece of speed and a study in modern luxury and classic elegance, and on the other, the dirt-spitting, or in this case snow ploughing, high-flying Ford F-150 Pre-Runner belonging to off-road sensation Christopher Polvoorde. Eyes widened as the Clarios Crew with more vehicles took it on the ice.

 

poolvoorde truck racing at big sky

 

The move to Big Sky provided a unique set of challenges: high altitudes and even more unpredictable weather than its predecessor in Aspen. This is where the OPTIMA Race Battery truly shines. The highlight of the weekend was a show-stopping run where Polvoorde’s Pre-Runner, a vehicle built for the punishing heat of the Baja 1000, had to adapt to the sub-zero grip of the Montana ice. Navigating the tight, technical track demanded a pure feeling for both, vehicle and track. Between the extreme vibrations of a trophy truck and the sensitive, high-tech electronics of the RUF, OPTIMA batteries ensured that power delivery remained constant and uninterrupted.

 

lines of cars under tent

Ford racing truck Big Sky Ice Raceyellow Porsche at Big Sky Ice Race

The atmosphere was an inclusive, positive high-energy celebration of automotive diversity, putting million-dollar supercars in the same scenery as rugged off-roaders. For drivers and engineers, the battery is the unsung hero, making sure every cold start ends well, with the engine running. Clarios proudly served the cause in Montana, supporting the growth of ice racing in North America while demonstrating that the company’s tech is built for the world's most demanding enthusiasts, cars and environments. We weren't just there to watch, we were there to prove that our "chemistry-agnostic" approach, can handle anything the elements throw at us. The 2026 F.A.T. Ice Race USA proved that when you combine a rich mix of the world’s most incredible automobiles with the right energy partners, you create a spectacle, and a performance, that was once unimaginable. We are looking forward to the next edition.