This Big Bird Hover Craft project makes good use of PIC microcontrollers and powerful motors to get some good speed on the ice. Watch the video, this thing looks like it is fun to drive!

"Project Big Bird required two circuits, each with specialized functions:

    Onboard PIC circuit:
        send/receive data from host PIC via wireless
        controls the lift fan and propulsion fans via PWM output signals
        reads sensors (convert analog to digital)      

    Host PIC circuit:
        send/receive data from host computer via USB
        send/receive data with host PIC via wireless"

Via: Trossen Robotics