2023 Iron Dog Race Pro Class Racer Bios

Iron Dog Pro Class 2023

Team 2

Sponsors: Big State Mechanical, Woody’s Traction Products, Hatcher Pass Polaris, Polaris Racing, PowerMadd, CCI Industrial Services LLC, Klim, Mobius Braces, Pro Seal Services Group, Cold Creek Extracts, Jenwar Towing and Recovery, Reel Illusion Art and Design, Summit Excavation, Inc., Rugged Radios, Grip N Rip, Trijet Manufacturing, Mericka Group LLC, Fish Magnet Guide Service, Penner Construction, TCM Restoration and Cleaning, Central Peninsula Refrigeration, pilot Luke Miller

Bradley Kishbaugh

Age: 24 d From: Soldotna

Riding: Polaris Cross Country

Status: Veteran

Race history: 2022: Finished sixth Bio: I was born and raised in Soldotna. I enjoy riding sleds, hunting, fishing, mountain biking and spending time with family and friends. I spend most of my time outdoors, but if I’m not outside then you’ll probably find me in my garage working on something. I’ve been riding snowmachines my whole life but started cross-country racing in 2021 and was hooked! I look forward to expanding my knowledge and skills during this year’s races.

Personal sponsors: Thank you, Mom and Dad; Taylor, Piper and Jake Graves; Grandma and Grandpa Danny and Loretta Paulk; Jared and Cassi Ewing; and everyone else who has supported and helped us along this journey; we couldn’t have done it without you.

Other racing history: 2022 Valdez Mayor’s Cup Semipro, first; 2021 Skwentna 200 Pro, fifth; 2021 FYK 150 Open, eighth

Ryan Sottosanti

Age: 45 d From: Wasilla

Riding: Polaris Cross Country Matryx

Status: Veteran

Race history: 2010: top rookie, sixth; 2011: Finished, 2012: Finished, 2013: Finished, 2014: Finished, 2015: Finished, 2017: Finished, 2018: Finished Bio: I am from Wasilla and have lived here in Alaska since 1990. I am the owner of Big State Mechanical plumbing and heating business. I have a beautiful wife, Heather, and wonderful 14-year-old daughter, Faith. I first raced the Iron Dog in 2001 with my dad, Allen. Since then, I have been passionate about the Iron Dog race. Over the last several years my racing knowledge and abilities have greatly improved. I have finished Iron Dog in the top 10 six times, with a podium finish in 2012 and 2017. I am confident that I have what it takes to win this prestigious race and I’m very hungry for a win in 2023. Rewards come one-tenth of a second at a time, and only when I focus, train and truly strive can they be achieved.

Personal sponsors: Heather Sottosanti, Al Sottosanti, Faith Sottosanti, and everyone who has helped us along the way.

Other race history: 2008 Mayor’s Cup, third; 2009 Mayor’s Cup, second; Trapper Creek 200, second; K150, second, third and fifth; Alyeska Cross Country, first and fourth; Arctic Man, seventh, fifth and third

Iron Dog trivia

The first Iron Dog event started in 1984 and followed the Northern Route of the Historic Iditarod Trail to Nome. Since then it has had multiple incarnations ranging from 1,049 miles in

Team 3

Sponsors: Polaris Racing, Polaris Engineered Lubricants, Taylor Fire Protection Services, Robinson Millwork, Pollen Environmental, LLC, Liberty Mechanical, Law Offices of Royce & Brain, IBEW Local 1547, DuClos Orthodontics, Silva Insurance Services, Electric Power Constructors (EPC), Altitude Chiropractic and Massage, Frontier Dental Care, Dad, Distinctive Ride, Grip N Rip, Klim Technical Riding Gear, Woody’s Traction Products, Hatcher Pass Polaris, Randy Jones and Sara Jansen, Taylor Designs, Anchorage Sheet Metal, RCS, Walker Evans Racing, Tri Jet Manufacturing, Indy Specialty, 139 Designs, B Original Signs

Kenneth Kleewein

Age: 32 d From: Willow

Riding: Polaris Cross Country

Status: Veteran

Race history: 2018: Finished, 13th; 2019: Finished, sixth; 2020: Finished, fourth; 2021: Finished, seventh.

Bio: I am a lifelong Alaskan and grew up in Willow. I watched my dad race the Iron Dog 11 times, and it was a dream to be able to participate in this great race. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner than my brother, Kruz. I can’t thank my entire family enough for supporting me, especially my wife, Kirsten, and three children Kenny, Bellamy and Sterling. I also have to thank my dad for all of his help and support –without it we wouldn’t have had the success we have had.

Personal sponsors: Special thank-you to my amazing wife, Kirsten, for supporting our family during the long nights and weekends preparing for this great race. Thanks to my sons Kenny and Sterling, and daughter Bellamy. Also, a special thank-you to my mom and my dad for not only being very supportive, but also helping with preparations. I am very grateful for my dad and his wealth of knowledge of the Iron Dog.

Other race history: AMMC Semi-Pro Triple Crown: 2015, first; AMMC Pro Class Champion: 2016; AMMC Big Lake 500: 2017, third; AMMC Mat-Su Resort 100: 2018, second; AMMC Larry Heal Memorial Race 500: 2018, first

Kruz Kleewein

Age: 27 d From: Wasilla

Riding: Polaris Cross Country Status: Veteran

Race history: 2018: Finished 13th, 2019: Finished sixth, 2020: Finished, fourth, 2021: Finished seventh Bio: I am a lifelong Alaskan from Willow. I enjoy racing and riding snowmachines in the winter. I enjoy riding jet skis and dirt bikes in the summer. I am a journeyman power lineman for the IBEW. This will be my fifth Iron Dog race.

Personal sponsors: Can’t thank my family, friends and sponsors enough for all the support in this endeavor. Especially my beautiful wife, Amanda, for all her love and support; and my dad, Kenny. Thanks to my mom and dad for all their support, the whole Taylor family for everything they do, and all my friends and family.

Other race history: Big Lake 150: 2013, semipro, first; AMMC championship: 2016, pro class, third; Big Lake 500: 2017, third

1984 to 2,409 miles in 2020.

Today’s Iron Dog course distance is measured at 2,503 miles, starting in Big Lake, around the Kotzebue Loop to a halfway stop in Nome, then returning to Big Lake.

Team 4

Sponsors: Arctic Cat, Bubba Gift and Grub, Northern Power Sports, Klim, Northwest Artic Borough, Elka Suspension, Renton Coil

Jim Baldwin

Age: 48 d From: Noorvik

Riding: Arctic Cat 600 R XC

Status: Rookie

Bio: I was born and raised in Northwest Alaska. With my family, I enjoy being outdoors on the Kobuk River. I am a proud father of four: Tyra, TeHana, Brenna Boo, Little Jim.

Personal sponsors: My wife, Kimberly, Little Jim, Brenna, TeHana, Tyra and Kyler, Kumak, Elsie, Charlie N and Uncle Sam

Other race history: Kotzebue, ACRA Kotzebue-Kiana, Nome Golovin; 2021 Kotzebue, third, open class

Steven Williamson

Age: 25 d From: Noorvik

Riding: Arctic Cat R XC

Status: Rookie

Bio: I’m from Noorvik but living in Kotzebue. I have one son, Steven Trey, with my girlfriend, Mary. I’m a mechanic at Red Dog Mine.

Personal sponsors: Arctic Cat, Bubba Grub, Northern Power Sports, Mary and son Steven Trey, Blair, Mom, Dad, Stephanie and John, Ezra Arey, family and friends.

Other race history: Started racing in 2016 Kotzebue af/wg DNF; 2021 Nome-Golovin 600 class, first; 2021 Kotzebue af/wg, second

Team 7

Sponsors: MTA, Cruz Construction, Team CC Ski-Doo, Valley Imaging, Craig Taylor Equipment, BRP, Woody’s Traction Products, Klim, Nitro Trailers, Fine Line Interiors, Trail Tank, XPS Oil, KYB, SCS Unlimited, PowerMadd, Specialty Truck & Auto, ZRP

Tyler Aklestad

Age: 37 d From: Palmer, AK

Riding: Ski-Doo MXZ X-RS

Status: Veteran

Race history: 2007: Finished, 2009: Finished, 2012: Finished, 2013: Finished, 2016: first, 2017: Finished, 2018: Finished, 2019: Finished, 2020: first, 2022: first Bio: I’m a lifelong Alaskan born and raised in Palmer. I have been racing snowmobiles for over 20 years across the state of Alaska and have traveled to the Midwest to race USXC and the SOO-500. I enjoy riding from my cabin in Willow with my wife, Erin, and two kids Liam and Finn. Beyond snowmobiling I enjoy hunting, fishing and motorcycles.

Personal sponsors: My wife, Erin, kids Liam and Finn, Korey and Barbara Cronquist, Keith, Marc McKenna, Jenny Duax, Willy Barickman and Russ Siepert

Other race history: Arctic Man: 2008 and 2011-2014, first

Nick Olstad

Age: 40 d From: Wasilla

Riding: Ski-Doo MXZ X-RS

Status: Veteran

Race history: 2005: first, 2009: first, 2011: Finished, 2014: first, 2016: Finished, 2017: Finished, 2018: Finished, 2020: first, 2022: first

Bio: Nick is a longtime Alaskan who enjoys the outdoors. When not working as a Marathon

Terminal supervisor, he’s spending time with wife Brianne, daughter Kaia and son Jackson. Nick loves to be out riding ATVs in the summer, and snowmachines until the snow is gone.

Personal sponsors: Brianne, Kaia and Jackson Olstad

Other racing history: 2019 Kotzebue 220, first; 2019 Nome Golovin, third; Mayor’s Cup 2005 and 2006, first; Mayor’s Cup 2011, third; K-150 2005 and 2006, first

Team 8

Sponsors: Team CC Ski-Doo, PowerMadd, Klim, VisonX Lighting, Rugged Radios, Stud Boy, Grip N Rip, Gueco Racing

Chad Gueco

Age: 39 d From: Wasilla

Riding: Ski-Doo MXZ X-RS

Status: Veteran

Race history: 2020: eighth, 2017: second, 2016: sixth, 2015: sixth, 2012: sixth

Bio: Chad is a lifelong Alaskan who is up for anything that involves adventure. He works in the Alaska oilfield as a senior drilling supervisor. He has traveled all over the United States racing in multiple genres of racing on a professional level racing for multiple manufacturers. He has three children, daughters Allie (15) and Ella (12), and son Haiden (9). He and his partner are looking for an amazing year on the trail!

Personal sponsors: ASRC Arctic Slope Resource Corp., Alaska Spine Institute, Bill’s Distributing, Projekt 907, Klim, Fox Shox, Trail Tank, Well Solutions, Inc., Stud Boy Traction, Gueco Racing, Rip N Grip, Fine Line Interiors, RPM Composites, Independent Lift Truck, Rain Proof Roofing and my family. A special thanks to Korey Cronquist and a big shout-out to my father, Danny Gueco. It would not be possible without any of you!

Other race history: 2013 Alyeska Motor Madness XC, first; 2013 Valdez Mayor’s Cup XC, third; 2012 Eureka 100 XC, first; 2011 Valdez Mayor’s Cup, first; 2011 Eureka 100 XC, second; 2009 Ada, Minn., 100 XC, sixth; 2009 Red Lake Minn. 500 XC, sixth; 2008 Valdez Mayor’s Cup, third; 2008 Big Lake 500 Grand Prix, first; 2008 Thunder Bay, Mich., 200 Enduro, first; 2008 Alpena 300 Enduro Mich., first; 2004-2010 Soo I-500 Mich., first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and 12th; 2007 Eagle River World Championship, first

Cody Moen

Age: 38 d From: Nome

Riding: Ski-Doo MXZ-XRS Status: Rookie

Bio: I grew up in Washington state, moved to Alaska in 2011 to go offshore gold mining in Nome. I enjoy spending time with my beautiful daughter Kelise, family and friends. In my off time I like to hunt, fish, and ride mountain bikes.

Personal sponsors: Danny and Cheri Gueco, Korey and Barbara Cronquist, Western Gold Exploration, Arctic Sea Mining, Northwest Gold Diggers, The Christine Rose, Sturgeon Hard Pipe Mining, Shawn Pomrenke, Johnny Reid, Dave Young, Ken Kurr, Sound Trench, Bill Moen Construction, J&M Construction, Yaznax, Inc.

Other racing history: This is my fourth attempt at Iron Dog.

Iron Dog trivia

Jackie Page (Robertson) and Missy McClurg (Thibodeau) remain the only all-female team to have successfully finished the Iron Dog race. In February 2001, they became the first all-women team to finish the Pro Class race, placing 15th in 60 hours and 23 minutes. This year, Team 16, Hillarie Gossett and Ashley Wood, are aiming to join their ranks.

Sponsors: Polaris Racing, Rock Solid Pile Driving, Hatcher Pass Polaris, Rady Concrete, Aurora Drilling and Consulting, Klim, Stud Boy, Team Industries, Darby’s Performance Machine, Tri-Jet Precision Cutting LLC, 139 Designs, Interior Mobile Welding, PowerMadd, SLP, Treeline Construction, Advanced Powder Coating, Alaska Safety, Alaska Hose and Fastener Supply, Everts Air Cargo, Rugged Radios, Summit Coffee Co., Mulcare Lawncare, 49th State Remodeling

Shane Barber

Age: 48 d From: Willow

Riding: Polaris Cross Country

Status: Veteran

Race history: 2000: Finished, 2004: Finished third, 2006: Finished third, 2007: Finished third, 2009: Finished, 2014: Finished, 2015: Finished, 2018: Finished, 2019: Finished, 2021: Finished, 2022: Finished third Bio: I am a born and raised Alaskan with some Southern heritage. I live in Willow with my wife, Tammy, where we raised our three kids, Cody, Shana and Evan. I work on the North Slope as a contract drilling foreman for Hilcorp Ak. When I was in seventh grade we moved to Big Lake, where I got an after-school job at Fish Creek Marina with Billy Norman. This is where I fell in love with riding and racing snowmachines. Ever since watching Billy take off on Iron Dog it was my dream to do that someday. I have fed that dream with hard work and sacrifice and now find myself racing my 18th Iron Dog. Thank you to all our vets that allow us the freedom to do such things. God Bless.

Personal sponsors: First and foremost, I’d like to give credit to the man upstairs for blessing me with so many good things in my life, most of which were through grace.  I would also like to thank my beautiful wife, Tammy, and our kids Cody and Brandi, Brett and Shana, and Evan. My Spain family, Mom and Dad and the support from friends and family.

Other racing history: Iron Dog Pro Class 2001, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2017, DNF; I’ve been racing a long time. It’s been fun.

Troy Conlon

Age: 32 d From: Fairbanks

Riding: Polaris Cross Country Matryx

Status: Veteran

Race history: 2016: Finished, 2017: Finished, 2020: Finished, 2021: Finished, 2022: Finished third Bio: At 2 years old I would ride circles in the yard on my dad’s 1972 Colt 250 until it ran out of gas, wait for him to fill me back up and do it again. By age 10, on my Indy Lite 340, my dad would take us to the Hoodoo Mountains to ride in the spring, and at 16 friends and I were backcountry riding almost every weekend. In 2013, I totaled my Assault 155 landing on a rock early in the season and I picked up an IQR while waiting for a replacement mountain sled. I entered my first cross country race and have been addicted ever since. Starting my Iron Dog journey in 2016 I quickly fell in love with the multifaceted challenge of the course, and each day’s trials. Most of my early-season riding is spent between training on the Iron Dog course between Big Lake and McGrath, and testing and tuning on the hundreds of miles of trails out my back door. After the Iron Dog l compete in the brutal Valdez Mayor’s Cup, as well as the Nome-Golovin 200, and the Archie Ferguson 220, two of the fast races on snow. My wife loves distance running, including the marathon and ultra-marathon distances. Together we love big game hunting, camping and being outdoors with the family. We have a 4-year-old son Carver who loves to tinker in the garage, build things, and ride bicycles, dirt bikes and snowmobiles. We also have 18-month-old twins Hatcher and Harlow, who keep us on our toes.

Personal sponsors: Chloe, Carver, Hatcher, Harlow, Jerry Conlon and Shannon Winner, Ron Johnson and Chelsea Stanya, Shane and Tammy Barber, Tanner Conlon, Ben Boswood, Candy Johnson, Brian Lee and Missy Conlon

Other racing history: Kotzebue, first; Mayor’s Cup first, second, third, fifth, 10th; Mayor’s Cup semi-pro first, third; Tanana 140 first, third; Motor Madness XC third, fifth; Nome-Golovin eighth, eighth

Team 10

Sponsors: Polaris Industries, Klim, Walker Evans Racing, Eagle River Polaris/AC, Northern Air Cargo, Polaris Engineered Lubricants, Baja Designs-The Scientists of Lighting, Stud Boy, Spernak & Son, Q-Trucking-Nome AK, Alaska Industrial X-Ray, Northern Solutions LLC, Anchorage Sheet Metal, UA Local 367, Fine Line Interiors, Nitro Trailers, Mission 22, Will-Velocity Sled Performance, PowerMadd, Rugged Radios, Tri Jet Manufacturing Services, Starting Line Products, Candy’s Cleaners, Arctic FX Graphics, Bering Air, Alaska Wild Project

Mike Morgan

Age: 37 d From: Nome

Riding: Polaris Indy Cross Country Racer

Status: Veteran

Race history: 2009: Finished, 2012: Finished, 2013: Finished, 2014: Finished, 2015: Finished, 2016: Finished, 2018: first, 2019: first, 2020: Finished, 2021: Finished, 2022: Finished

Bio: I grew up riding and racing snowmobiles from a young age in Northwest Alaska. Aside from racing snowmobiles, I enjoy hiking, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, traveling and spending time with friends and family. I work construction as a welder out of the UA Local 367 Pipefitters Union. This will be my 14th Iron Dog race and 12th with teammate Chris Olds.

Personal sponsors: Dad Stan and Ruby Morgan, Mom Ginny and Carl Emmons, Evan Booth, Emmons Mechanical, Ice Age Performance, Auto Armor of Alaska, Kannady Chiropractic, Morgan’s Sales & Service-Nome

Other race history: Five Nome-Golovin race wins; five Kotzebue race wins; 10 Top-5s in Iron Dog including seven Top-3s with two wins in 13 starts

Chris Olds

Age: 52 d From: Eagle River

Riding: Polaris Cross Country

Status: Veteran

Race history: 2000: Finished, 2001: Finished, 2002: Finished, 2006: Finished, 2007: Finished, 2008: Finished, 2009: Finished, 2010: first, 2011: first, 2012: Finished, 2013: Finished, 2014: Finished, 2015: Finished, 2016: Finished, 2018: first, 2019: first, 2020: Finished, 2021: Finished, 2022: Finished Bio: I am married to Christine and have two children, Haley and Mya. I have grown up in Alaska and enjoy everything Alaskan, including hunting, fishing and anything outdoors. I enjoy riding dirt bikes, SXS, camping and hanging out with family and friends.

Personal sponsors: My family, Mom and Dad, my wife, Christine, and two children, Haley and Mya

Other race history: first, K-400; numerous Top-3 finishes in Hillclimb, Hillcross, Cross Country and Snowcross; 18 Top-10 and 16 Top-5 finishes in the Iron Dog.

Team 11

Tad Covault

compete and complete this great race. 2022’s race endeavors provided quite the learning curve and will hopefully break trail to a successful 2023 race. The wilderness always calls my name, and you can’t get much wilder than 2,503 miles of high speed, high adrenaline racing!

Personal sponsors: A huge thank-you to my wife, Sarah (an Iron Dog wife is a patient wife), our littles Demaris, Tyrena, Jackson, Karter and granddaughter Lucy; the rest of my family and friends, even – I mean especially – Chuck McHenry my coolest friend ever. Also, thanks to all of our sponsors, the amount of support and encouragement is truly humbling, and the Wagners for the opportunity to join Team 11. Without the support of all these fine people, this race wouldn’t be a reality! Pizza Box, Finishing Edge, Peninsula Powersports, The Best Shop, Guth’s Lodge, Peninsula Plowing, Live Wire Electric, Pinnacle Mechanical, Inc., Carmody Masonry, Klim, Edward Jones, Northern Lights Espresso, Orca Theaters, Jim and Patti Jolin (parents), Robert and Robin Hills (parents), Kenai River Haven, Homer Elks Lodge #2127, Foster Construction

Other racing history: 2018 Arctic Man Hill Cross. Entered with a mountain sled, discovered quickly Iron Dog sleds were way faster and fly higher. Let’s not discuss what place I finished. 2022 Iron Dog, DNF

David Wagner

Age: 53 d From: Arnold, Calif.

Riding: 2023 Polaris Cross Country

Status: Veteran

Race history: 2022: Finished

Bio: Born and raised in a small town in Wyoming, David has always had a great love and passion for challenging the outdoors, specifically by pushing himself beyond his limits in snowmobiling. Raised around his father’s motorcycle and snowmobile races, David has always known he wants to break through the physical limits of snowmobiling. He has shared his passion of snowmobiling with both his children and wife, who also fell in love with the extreme sport. He feels extremely blessed to have such an awesome support system always pushing him to be better and cheering him all through all moments of his life. He completed the 2022 Iron Dog race and was left wanting more, thus he’s ready to push through and beat his past record!

Personal sponsors: California Custom Trailers & Power Sports, Action Realty, Dave and Mary Wagner, Melissa Wagner, Sarah Palin, Greg and Ginny Robertson, Brian and Jennifer Fassbender

Team 12

Sponsors: Team CC, Fineline Interiors, Doug Swanson

Christopher Collins

Age: 41 d From: Kotzebue

Riding: Ski-Doo Competition

Status: Veteran

Race history: 2013: Finished, 2016: Finished, 2022: Finished

Bio: I love being outdoors and doing outdoor activities such as build cabins and commercial fish for salmon during the summer season. Hunting and fishing make up most of my fall-season activities. Riding backcountry and cross-country on Ski-Doo sleds takes up most of my winter and has for over 20 years. I have raced Ski-Doo sleds since 2001 and started on the MXZx 800. I have really enjoyed this Iron Dog race and what it brings to communities.

Personal sponsors: Thank you to my wife for your support over the last seven entries to the big race, Jana and Braelynn, Martin Shroyer and family, Howard and Freda Beasley, Randy Toshavic, Powder Coating Alaska, Mike Hadley Sr., Kyle Erbeck, Dicki Moto Jr., Alice and Justin Hadley, Copper River Salmon, Bruce Nelson

Other racing history: Numerous podium finishes in the Archie Ferguson/Willie Goodwin Memorial Races, Nome-Golovin 200 races, smaller cross-country races around the Northwest Region of Alaska.

Douglas Wicken

Age: 35 d From: Kotzebue

Riding: Ski-Doo Competition Status: Veteran Race history: 2022: Finished Bio: I am from Northwest Alaska currently living at my homestead Ivik 25 miles northeast of Kotzebue. I’m married to my beautiful wife, Nikki, for 11 years and we have four amazing kids. This will be my second Iron Dog. I worked two years as a cargo handler and six years as a A&P mechanic for Bering Air. When I’m not working on airplanes, I enjoy the Alaskan lifestyle.

Personal sponsors: Wife Nikki, kids Reilly, Rex, Roy, Fern, Bruce Nelson, Echo and Blanche Swanson, Kyle and Dawn Erbeck, Arctic Backcountry, Ray and Trisha Parker, Howard and Freda Beasley, Martin Shroyer and family, Mike Hadley Sr., Justin and Alice Hadley, Bering Air, Inc., Powder Coating Alaska, Colton Sieh, Leo Ford.

Other racing history: 2004 Junior snocross: first

Team 13

Sponsors: Polaris Racing, Polaris Engineered Lubricants, Fly Racing, C&A Pro Skis, Woody’s Traction Products, J. Bauer Trucking, Inc., Rigid Industries, Rugged Radios, Backwoods BMP, Deviant Ink, Airtec Sports Menomonie

Leah Bauer

Age: 35 d From: Eau Claire, Wis.

Riding: Polaris Indy Cross Country Status: Rookie

Bio: Professional fun-haver. Adrenaline junkie. I love to go fast. I race snowmobiles and cars. I also like wake boat surfing in the summer and playing volleyball. Other hobbies include snowboarding, working out, modeling and off-roading.

Personal sponsors: Special thank-you to Bruce and Lori Olson for helping over my entire racing career; huge thanks to my parents for being my No. 1 fans throughout the years, and for all the love and support. Sorry I’ve been telling you every season that “this is my last year of racing.” Here we go again, haha; My boyfriend who’s been so understanding of my travel and training for the race; our fans who have purchased Team 13 merchandise to help with race costs; Anytime Fitness Eau Claire; Racer Coffee; POD Active; Fuel Clothing Other racing history: USXC Park Rapids 200: 2017, second, Pro Women’s Class; I-500: 2017, fourth, Pro Women’s Class; COR Powersports Lakewoods 100: 2018, second, Pro Women’s Class; USXC Dyrdahl Memorial 200: 2019, first, Pro Women’s Class; COR Powersports Lakewoods 100: 2019, first, Pro Women’s Class, first, Sport Factory 600; COR Powersports Lakewoods 100: 2021, first, Pro Women’s Class; COR Powersports Heartland 200: 2021, second, Pro Women’s Class

Jacob Dahle

Age: 34 d From: Morristown, Minn.

Riding: Polaris Indy XCR

Status: Rookie

Bio: Living proof that nobody is perfect.

Personal sponsors: Mom, Grandma, Troy and Brenda, Bruce and Lori Olson, American Express, Visa – I’ve spent a lot of money to not win a lot of money.

Casey Boylan

Age: 28 d From: Palmer

Riding: Polaris Cross country Status: Veteran

Race history: 2017: sixth as rookie team, 2018: fifth, 2019: third, 2021: second

Bio: Born and raised in Anchorage, I started racing dirt bikes when I was 9 years old and snowmachines when I was 10. I now live in Palmer and really enjoy everything this state has to offer. My racing career really took off in 2009 when I left the state to race snocross at a national level up until 2014 later leading in to racing my first Iron Dog in 2017 and haven’t missed one since.

Personal sponsors: Polaris Racing, AK Frost, Fly Racing, Anchorage Yamaha/Polaris, Value Liquor, Big Dream Transport, Bill Bishop, Boylan Boyz Racing, Leslie Racing, C&A pro skis, Stud Boy, Bailey’s Rental, Rox speedFX, Fine Line Interior, Hillside Audio, Carlile Transportation, Swole City, Tri-jet, Overland Transport, Lone Pine Fabrication, Hydrate Alaska, Hard Rok Plumbing, Unleashed HP.

Other race history: 2010 ISOC National Sport Super Stock-first, second & third; 2011 Podiumed every National; 2012 Pro Lite ISOC Regional champion; 2012 Pro Lite ISOC National multiple Top-5 finishes; 2013 Pro Stock ISOC Regional champion; 2014 Arctic Man men’s snowboard win; 2015 Mayor’s Cup Cross Country pro class win; 2017 Mayor’s Cup-third, pro class; 2017 Skwentna 200, second; 2018 Mayor’s Cup, first

Bryan Leslie

Age: 29 d From: Anchorage

Riding: Polaris Indy Cross Country

Status: Veteran

Race history: 2017: sixth, 2018: fifth, 2019: third, 2021: second Bio: I was born and raised in Alaska and have been racing many different motor sports competitively for more than 16 years. When I’m not working or training, I enjoy exploring our great state, traveling, fishing, camping and being at the cabin with my wife and family.

Personal sponsors: Polaris, Anchorage Yamaha and Polaris, AK Frost, Walker Evens Shocks, Fly Racing, Statewide Door and Glass, Carlile, Big State Concrete Coating LLC, Lone Pine Fabricators, New Horizons Telecom, IBEW 1547, Tri Jet, A2D Sledworks, Delta Constructors, Boehmer services, Boylan Boyz Racing, Leslie Racing, Bill Bishop, Ben Cruz, my wife, Tyler; friends and family

Other race history: 2015 AMMC semi pro champ; 2015 Larry Heal, first; 2015 Arctic Man Ice-X, first

Team 16

Sponsors: Polaris Racing, In-Line Industries, Laguna Pacific Fisheries, Klim, Eagle River Polaris Arctic Cat, Polaris Engineered Lubricants, Skwentna Roadhouse, Baja Designs, Tri-Jet Precision Cutting LLC, Back in Action Physical Therapy, Lone Pine Fabrication, Stud Boy Traction Products, Town Realty, Hydrate Alaska, Revive Aesthetics & Spa

Hillarie Gossett

Age: 34 d From: Wasilla

Riding: Polaris Cross Country

Status: Rookie

Bio: My favorite titles are “wife” and “mother of two.” That said, “Alaskan Adventurer” is a close third! I’m a race mom. My 9-year-old son races crosscountry sleds, my 4-year-old daughter doesn’t know a world without a Polaris in it, we help sponsor children in our community to race, we promote moms and dads getting back into racing themselves, and my husband is a race

organizer. But before all that I grew up the youngest of three in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. My brother and sister are both deaf and nine years older, which definitely took some adjusting on my parents’ part when I came around. Everyone who meets me likely says the same. Once Alaska’s Athlete of the Year, if I wasn’t on the basketball court or track, I found solace in Alaska’s backcountry. My memories as a young girl are filled with adventures rafting the Gates of the Arctic, climbing the Talkeetnas behind my home and on snowmachine hunts in the Japan Hills: all with my dad. His dream to forge through Alaska’s unknown was a passion I was happy to adopt. I am now an educational American Sign Language interpreter. I am extremely active in local nonprofits from community theater, to organizing youth cross-country snowmachine events with my husband, and promoting Deaf and Hard of Hearing advocacy throughout the state. I am grateful for the support received from such pillars in this amazing racing community to take on this challenge. Winter in Alaska isn’t her complete self unless Iron Dog is mentioned. Tim, Grayson, Parker ... I love you!

Personal sponsors: Riækt Consulting, Klim, Skwentna Roadhouse, Hatcher Pass Polaris, families and friends of Alaska Cross Country Racing, Gardner family, Putnam family, Krause family, Bobby, Shaw Sundog staff

Other racing history: Skwentna 200: 2022, first, Women’s Class; 2021, second, Women’s Class; 2021, sixth, Semipro. Hatcher Pass Boulder Dash: 2022, fifth, Women’s Class. Successful Farewell bison hunt: 2022. Successful Rex Trail muzzleloader hunt: 2022. Hatcher Pass Boulder Dash: 2022, Women’s Class assistant organizer. Hatcher Pass Boulder Dash Women’s Class: 2022, purse sponsor. Skwentna 200: 2023, event sponsor. Alaska Cross Country Racing: 2021, 2022, race organizer.

Ashley Wood

Age: 34 d From: Wasilla

Riding: Polaris Cross Country Status: Rookie

Bio: Born and raised on the Kenai Peninsula and now residing in Wasilla the past 15 years, I have worked in the industry of construction and business management. When not working or racing, my other half, Rob, and I enjoy riding long tracks from our cabin, dirt biking and hunting. Racing sno-x, short cross-country races and being involved in the race community since my late teens, seeking the adventure and challenge of traveling western Alaska via snowmachine seemed to be what was next. This will be my third Iron Dog race.  Personal sponsors: Robert Ross, NorthBound Fitness

Team 19

Sponsors

Chad Moore

Age: 40 d From: Sterling

Riding: Polaris Cross Country  Status: Rookie

Bio: I’m a lifelong Alaskan chasing a lifelong goal.

Personal sponsors: Polaris race department, Team Barber Racing, Peninsula Power Sports, PowerMadd, Yellow Jacket, Klim, Walker Evans, Stud Boy, 4D Carpet One, Thata Inspections, Cruz Construction, Tri-jet Southcentral Communications, Sweeney’s, Moose River Dental Other racing history: Mayor’s Cup 2021; Skwentna 200, 2021, third; Mayor’s Cup 2022, second; Skwentna 200, 2022

Travis Temple

Age: 34 d From: Soldotna

Riding: Polaris Cross Country Status: Rookie

Bio: I was born and raised in Soldotna and grew up racing motocross and riding sleds. I love the outdoors: hunting, fishing, camping

Sponsor: Polaris Racing

and spending time with family and friends. My wife, Crystal Temple, is a giant part of me doing this race; she is as committed as I am with it.

Personal sponsors: Polaris race department, Team Barber Racing, SLP, Peninsula Power Sports, PowerMadd, Yellow Jacket, Klim, Walker Evans, Stud Boy, 4D Carpet One, Thata Inspections, Cruz Construction, Tri Jet, Southcentral Communications, Sweeney’s, Moose River Dental

Other racing history: 2021 Skwentna 200, third; 2021 Valdez Mayor’s Cup, sixth; 2022 Skwentna 200, fifth

Team 20

Sponsors: Ski-Doo, Sukup Manufacturing Co., DHS Grain LTD, Alaska Boiler and Burner, Klim, Ollie’s Service, Inc., Johnson Jetline, Alaska Mining and Diving Supply, Alaska Motorsports & Equipment, Norcoast Mechanical, Inc., Woody’s Traction Products, Grip N Rip Racing, Fine Line Interiors, 139 Designs

Geoff Crouse

Age: 39 d From: Anchorage

Riding: Ski-Doo Renegade X-RS Status: Veteran

Race history: 2013: Finished, 2016: Finished, 2018: Finished Bio: Geoff was born and raised in Alaska and has been riding snowmobiles for more than 20 years. When Geoff is not riding his snowmobile, he enjoys spending time with his friends riding mountain bikes, four-wheeling and watching his boys play baseball. He is employed by Norcoast Mechanical. Geoff has been married for 15 years to his wife, Jenna, and they have two sons Blake and Eli.

Personal sponsors: Jenna Crouse, Doc and Laurie Crouse, Mark and Lynne Vaughn, Brad Helwig

Dieter Strobel

Age: 42 d From: Barrett, Minn.

Riding: Ski-Doo Renegade 600 XRS Competition Status: Veteran

Race history: 2018: eighth Bio: Married to Megan with two awesome kids Brooklyn and Bennett. Own and operate a grain-handling construction and sales business and auto repair shop. In the summer we spend time riding Harleys, dirt biking and at the cabin taking the surf boat out.

Personal sponsors: DHS Grain LTD, SUKUP, Kurt Steiner, Gary Bates. Thank you to family and friends for all the support. And everyone else that has made this possible especially my wife, Megan, daughter Brooklyn and son Bennett.

Other racing history: Iron Dogs 2015-2017: DNF, 2014: expedition class finisher with a team of seven.

Team 21

Sponsors: Cruz Construction, Alaska West Air, Polaris Screens & Signs, Kenai Backcountry Adventures, Team CC, XPS Oil, Ski-Doo, Mainstreet Tap & Grill, Big Mike Racing, Small Town Famous, Tripoint Alaska, CCI

Duncan Brewer

Age: 28 d From: Kenai

Riding: Ski-Doo Renegade Status: Rookie

Bio: Born and raised on the Kenai Peninsula. When I’m not working for the family air taxi I’m outside flying, hunting, fishing, trapping, riding sleds and more recently spending time with my newborn daughter Amelia. The Iron Dog has always been a challenge I’ve wanted to take on after seeing my father and other family friends run it for many years. This is truly an opportunity

of a lifetime for me, and I look forward to the trail.

Personal sponsors: Jon Easter and family, Ryan Peterkin  Other racing history: 2022 Skwentna 200, finished

Cole Crandall

Age: 24 d From: Kenai

Riding: Ski-Doo Renegade X-RS Status: Rookie

Bio: I was born and raised in Alaska. I grew up racing motocross all over the state. I rode sleds in the backcountry for years, but in the past couple of years I have transitioned in cross-country riding.

Personal sponsors: Klim, Stud Boy, 27 Red, Alaska West Air

Team 23

Sponsors: Team CC, Wilderness Ski-Doo, Q Trucking, Klim, Nome Grown, Battery Specialists, Metal Super Market, Lone Pine, Arctic Metal Works, Fine Line Interiors, Rugged Radio, Alaska Safety, Ragchew Radio Club

Jarvis Miller

Age: 31 d From: Nome

Riding: Ski-Doo Renegade Status: Veteran

Race history: 2019: fifth and rookie of the year, 2022: Finished Bio: I was born and raised in Nome, where I reside with my fiancé, Hattie, and our two daughters, Kaia and Lexi. I enjoy spending time with my family and everything the outdoors has to offer including fishing, hunting, boating and racing snowmachines. I work for Q Trucking Company as a heavy equipment operator.

Personal sponsors: Hattie Keller and daughters Kaia and Lexi Miller; Joe and Terry Miller; Q Trucking, Charley and Jennifer Reader; Grip N Rip; Klim; Wilderness Ski-Doo, Johnny Bahnke III; Team CC Ski-Doo; Quality Auto Parts, Geoff Hubert; Blanche and Echo Swanson; Tom and Cindy Massie, Envision Designs; Chelsea Miller; and all the volunteers and checkers along the way who help make this race possible.

Other racing history: 2019 Nome-Golovin 200: 2019, second; 2018, first open class and first overall; 2015, third; 2011, first open class; 2010, third and rookie of the year. 2018 and 2013 Kotzebue Archie Ferguson Willie Goodwin Memorial Race: second place both times; 2011 Elim- Koyuk Race, second

Jordan Miller

Age: 33 d From: Nome

Riding: Ski-Doo Renegade XRS Competition Status: Veteran

Race history: 2022: Finished Bio: I have lived in Alaska my entire life, bouncing back and forth between Nome and Anchorage. I recently started a general contractor company “Northern Lights,” working on homes in Northwest Alaska. I’m also an electrician for the IBEW local 1547. I enjoy anything with a motor or that has to do with the outdoors. Hunting and fishing with my beautiful wife, Chelsea, is something we look forward to each year.

Personal sponsors: Chelsea Miller, Joe and Terry Miller, Jarvis and Hattie, Charley and Jennifer Reader, Blanche and Echo, Tom and Cindy Massie, Obsessive Lighting, Klim, Wilderness Ski-Doo, Envision Designs, Grip N Rip, Q Trucking Company, Quality Auto Parts, Team CC Ski-Doo, Alaska Safety, Robert “Mansey” Magnuson, Tanner Baker; all the volunteers and checkers along the trail.

Sponsors: SBS Transportation, Hanson Racing Engines, BMP-Bikeman Performance, Northwoods Heads, XLT Engineering, Ainsworth Law

Eric Christensen

Age: 56 d From: Centuria, Wis.

Riding: 2023 Polaris Cross Country Status: Rookie

Bio: Born and raised in Wisconsin. Currently employed at Polaris Industries, in my 29th year. Married to my wife, Julie, for 20 years. In 2022, I was part of the Team 77 ambassador team that rode in the Expedition Class, and along that journey I met Charlie Potter and over the summer asked him to be my partner for 2023.

Personal sponsors: Pro 5 Racing, Bunke Racing, Capstone Clinic, Remote Alaska Solutions, PowerMadd, B&M Fabrications, Midwest Machinery, Lube Tech, Polaris, Klim, RXGoggles, Julie Christensen, Gary Smetana

Other racing history: I have participated in 22 I-500s starting in 1988. Finished in top 10 pro classes and many podium finishes in 40+ and 50+

Charlie Potter

Age: 39 d From: Big Lake

Riding: Polaris XCR Status: Veteran

Race history: 2009: Finished, 2012: Finished, 2014: Finished, 2015: Finished, 2016: Finished, 2017: Finished, 2021: Finished, 2022: Finished

Bio: I grew up in Big Lake and once I graduated high school, I joined the Army in 2002 as a combat engineer. I was deployed to Iraq in 2004 and was hit by an RPG putting me in the hospital for almost a year. Once I recovered, I decided that to prove to myself that “no matter what happened you can do anything you set your mind to.” So, I decided to try the Iron Dog and from there 13 runs down the trail later I have taken more veterans down the trail and started Battle Buddies, racing to help troops feel like they are still part of a team. I really enjoy spending time in the outdoors and rodeo in the summertime. I am an equipment operator for remote Alaska solutions.

Personal sponsors: The law office of B. Neal Ainsworth

Other racing history: I’ve raced all around the state with multiple Top-3 finishes and multiple first-place wins in events like Arctic Man, Mayor’s Cup and the Hoodoo 150

Team 30

Sponsors: ASRC Energy Services, Beacon Health, Cruz Construction, Strata Deep Constructors, Pioneer Peak Asphalt, RMG Real Estate Network-Keller Williams, Big Dreams Transport, Karis Integrative Medicine, Master Auto, Tiffany Ischinger, First Rate Financial, Hatcher Pass Polaris, Chepo’s, Heat Source, Valley Residential Fence, Polaris Racing, Eagle River Polaris and Arctic Cat, A2D Sledworks, Trijet Manufacturing, Stud Boy, Innovative Off Road-Vision X, Klim, PowerMadd, The Powder Coat Shop

Blake Elder

Age: 33 d From: Wasilla

Riding: Polaris Cross Country

Status: Veteran

Race history: 2019: Finished, 2021: Finished

Bio: I was born in Colorado and raised in Alaska; I love to race in this beautiful state! I love to adventure with my beautiful wife, Natalie, and my three daughters. We love all of the adventures that this life and this great state have to offer, and I am very thankful and blessed by the support of my family in this great race! Racing with Kody as my partner is great, and we work well together in all of the race prep items and in the race itself.  What a blast! Time to go fast!

Personal sponsors: Natalie, Kenna, Kori, Kiley Elder, Amy Elder, Chris and Elizabeth Elder, Kevin and Janet Goard

Other racing history: 2019 Mayor’s Cup Semi Pro, third

Kody Worley

Age: 37 d From: Wasilla

Riding: Polaris 2022 XCR Status: Rookie

Bio: Last year was the first year racing the Iron Dog and I am hooked now. My wife, Emily, and two children Abel and Laina continue to push me and keep the dream alive. I grew up in Montana and I’m thankful for my parents who taught me to ride and rode thousands of miles a year. I’ve been racing and riding motocross and snowmachines my entire life and look forward to racing another year with Blake. My spare time is spent building shocks, hunting, camping and jeeping with my family.

Personal sponsors: Barb and Mark Worley, Thomas and Sherry Whitstine, my family and friends, ASRC Energy, Beacon OHSS, Pioneer Peak Asphalt and dozens of others who helped along the way.

Team 31

Sponsors: Polaris Racing, Stud Boy, Klim, Northstar Supply, DGK Racing, PowerMadd, Trijet Manufacturing, Hatcher Pass Polaris

Evan Barber

Age: 18 d From: Willow Riding: Polaris Cross Country Status: Veteran Race history: 2021: Finished Bio: I am 18 years old, and I was born and raised in Willow. Since I was a toddler, I have always enjoyed spending my time on anything with a motor. When I’m not riding, working or wrenching I’m spending my free time with my amazing and supportive girlfriend, Grace. I am an apprentice at Alaska Directional.

Personal sponsors: Klim, Team Barber Racing, Polaris, Aurora Auto Detailing, Northern Supply, Hatcher Pass Polaris, 139 Designs, Bell Helmets, GoPro, Cork’s Auto, Mobius Braces, Tork

Other race history: Mayor’s Cup 2019: fifth, semi pro; Mayor’s Cup 2020: first, semi pro; Mayor’s Cup 2021: third, pro; Mayor’s Cup 2022: fourth, pro; Hatcher Pass Boulder Dash 2021: third, pro; Skwentna 200 2022: second, pro

Kelly Sommer

Age: 35 d From: Fairbanks

Riding: Polaris Cross Country Status: Veteran

Race history: 2012: Finished, 2019: Finished, 2022: Finished Bio: I grew up in Nulato; I like racing snowmachines and working in the middle of nowhere for construction companies. This will be my seventh Iron Dog race. I’m thankful for the support and happy to be racing again I can’t wait to get out on the trail.

Personal sponsors: Randy Kangas, George Demoski, Earl and Joyce Sommer, Doug and Gloria, Kyle and Anesha and Devin and Tanner, Jesse Darling/Amaguq Media

Other racing history: 2018 Tanana 140, fifth; Kotz AF/WG, finished; 2019 Mayor’s Cup, finished; Fort Yukon, second; 2021 Mayor’s Cup, second semi-pro; 2021 Skwentna 200, fifth; 2022 Mayor’s Cup, seventh, pro

Team 33

Sponsors: Alaskan Grown Cannabis, Danny Gueco / Team CC, Grip N Rip, Stud Boy, Bering Air, NWAB, Wally Carter, Jr., Aya Goodwin, Brice Construction, Baja Designs

Michael Hensley

Age: 21 d From: Kotzebue

Riding: Ski-Doo Renegade

Status: Rookie

Bio: I like to race snowmachines.

Personal sponsors: Mom and Dad, Ozzy’s little family, Ahna and Tatta, Dublin’s shop, Frankie Lane, Bobby Frankson, Wally Carter, Jr., Iron Dog Team 12, Big Mike Hadley, Skid Mark Johnson, Micah Huss, Uncle Booker TL and Aunty Shy, Robert Nazuruk, Candice Brown, Iron Dog Team 8

George Lambert

Age: 34 d From: Kotzebue

Riding: Ski-Doo XRS

Status: Rookie

Bio: I was born and raised in Kotzebue. I enjoy hunting, fishing and racing snowmachines! I am the assistant manager at Alaskan Grown Cannabis and also commercial fish during the summer.

Personal sponsors: My fiancé, Candice Brown, and our kids Haley, Anthony, Darvin, Tallon, Zoey, Calianna, Jaycee, Luica, Gary and Ohlin. Mike and Tina Hensley, Harold Lambert, Paulette Schuerch, Barns Sheldon, Aya Goodwin, Wally Carter Jr., Qutan Lambert, Jacqui Lambert, Ned Lambert, Silas Pennington, Mike and Lydia Scott; everyone who has purchased our Team 33 gear and made donations!

Other racing history: 2022 Season Opener, first, 600 and open class; 2022 Knight Riders, first, 600 and open class; 2022 Nome-Golovin, first, 600 class; 2022 Archie Ferguson-Willie Goodwin, first, 600 class; 2022 Last Chance Race, first, 600 class

Team 37

Sponsors: Sobetski Enterprises, Bouman Enterprises, Hildebrand Sod, S&L Fosty, Thalberg Farm and Auto, CSM Construction, Delmar Commodities, P&H Grain, Nutrien, Eastcrete Readymix

Mark Fosty

Age: 37 d From: Stead, Canada

Riding: Polaris Cross Country

Status: Veteran Race history: 2020: 11th, 2021: 10th Bio: My family and I own and operate a grain farm in Southeastern Manitoba. When we’re not working, we spend our time outdoors fishing, camping and racing MDR on our dirt bikes. In winter we hunt and ride our snowmachines.

Personal sponsors: Sobetski Enterprises, Bouman Enterprises, East Crete Concrete, Hildebrand Sod, S&L Fosty Farms, Rugged Radios, Thalberg Farm and Auto, CSM Construction, Delmar Commodities, P&H Grain. Thank you to my wife, Kandace, and my boys Maxton and Logan for giving me the time to prepare and compete in this race. I would also like to thank everyone from back home for the support. You guys are awesome. Our sponsor for supporting and believing in us. We couldn’t do it without you. Also, thanks to my buddy Ben. Looking forward to ripping our third Iron Dog together – hopefully faster than ever!

Other racing history: Iron Dog is the only cross-country race I have competed in. I figured 35 was a good time to start my cross-country career!

Ben Hildebrand

Age: 36 d From: Stead, Canada

Riding: Polaris XCR

Status: Veteran

Race history: 2020: 11th, 2021: 10th Bio: Me and my teammate are both farmers from rural Manitoba, Canada. While Mark makes his mark feeding the masses with his grain operation, me and my family operate a sod farm, making the world a greener place. Due to travel restrictions last year, we couldn’t compete, but this year we are excited to be back and looking forward to the challenges only Iron Dog has to offer. In the off season, I got married to my beautiful wife, Claudia, who happens to have no problem with me doing another Iron Dog, which really adds to the feeling that I got a good one!

Team 39

Sponsors: Polaris Racing, Hatcher Pass Polaris, Klim, Stud Boy, PowerMadd, Zollinger Racing Products, Rock Solid Pile Company, Palmer Dental Center, Tri Jet Manufacturing, Valley Imaging, Spain Excavating, Walker Evans Racing, 139 Designs

Cody Barber

Age: 29 d From: Willow Riding: Polaris XCR Status: Veteran Race history: 2015: Finished, 2016: Finished, 2019: Finished, 2021: Finished Bio: My name is Cody Barber. I work on the North Slope as a facility operator. I spend my time with my wife and four kids. We do a lot of snowmachine and wheeler riding, hunting, fishing, building and enjoying the beauty that Willow has to offer. Personal sponsors: My Iron Dog partner, Brett Lapham, for opening up his house and shop to my family to build sleds and make this happen. My wife, Brandi Barber, all of our kiddos, Mom and Dad, Shana and Evan, my mother-in-law Carla, Grandpa Mike, Grandma Michelle, Grandpa Jack, the Neffendorfs, Clint Montague, Ricky Castro, my small crew of coworkers at LPC facility and the rest of my family as well, I really could not do this without you all. So, thank you very much.

Other race history: 2011 X-Country semi-pro State Champion; 2011, first, Valdez Mayor’s Cup semi-pro; 2012, second, Valdez Mayor’s Cup pro class; 2019, third, Valdez Mayor’s Cup pro class; 2022, second, Valdez Mayor’s Cup pro class; 2022, second in the partner race Skwentna 200 (partner Evan Barber)

Brett Lapham

Age: 30 d From: Willow Riding: Polaris Cross Country  Status: Veteran

Race history: 2015: Finished, 2016: Finished, 2019: Finished, 2020: Finished, 2021: Finished Bio: Brett was born and raised in Alaska and currently lives in his hometown of Willow. He enjoys doing all the Alaskan adventures and hobbies with his family right out of his backyard. This will be his seventh time racing Iron Dog. Besides having a passion for snowmobiling he enjoys meeting all the great people along the way and the adventure it always is leaving the starting line.

Personal sponsors: My wife Shana, Barber family and all our other friends and family that supports us.

Other racing history: Mayor’s Cup 2012, semi-pro, first; Mayor’s Cup 2014, pro class, fourth; Willow XC 2013, pro class, first; Mayor’s Cup 2019, pro class, fourth; Boulder Dash 2022, pro class, second

Team 41

Sponsors: Northern Asphalt, Fine Line Interiors, Klim

Haakon Wold

Age: 17 d From: Wasilla

Riding: Ski-Doo Renegade 600XRS

Status: Rookie

Bio: I was born and raised in Alaska and love to be outdoors. I enjoy snowmachining, dirt biking and fishing. I also like to spend time with friends and family.

Other race history: Mayor’s Cup in Valdez and the Skwentna 200 (2022)

Wayne Wold

Age: 48 d From: Wasilla

Riding:  Ski-Doo Renegade 600XRS

Status: Veteran

Race history: 2008: Finished, 2013: Finished

Personal sponsors: Northern Asphalt, Fine Line Interiors, Vulcan Towing, AAA Fence, Motor Fist, Creech Motor Sports, Snap On (Stan Marshal), Alaska Hydraulics, High Performance Auto, Danny’s Auto Body, Creative Audio and Security, Action Sign and Graphics, Alaska Safety, L and M Supply

Other race history: Skwentna 200 (2022)

Team 44

Sponsors: Team Arctic Cat

Frank Ferreira

Age: 42 d From: Kotzebue

Riding: Arctic Cat RXC

Status: Veteran

Race history: 2012: Finished

Bio: I’m a lifelong Alaskan, love being outdoors with my family. Me and my son, Malaki, will be running the race together.

Personal sponsors: Family and friends

Other race history: A couple of third-place finishes for Last Chance race; AF/WG Races: ninth, 2014 600 class; fifth, 2017 open class; eighth, 2018 600 class

Malaki Ferreira

Age: 18 d From: Kotzebue

Riding: Arctic Cat

Status: Rookie

Bio: I grew up on a snowmobile; my whole life I’ve always challenged myself and see what I can achieve and know my capabilities. I have three snowmobile wins: two first place and one third place. I grew up with a racing family; my dad’s side of the family have history in racing, and we all have passion in this sport.

Iron Dog trivia

Team 49

Sponsors: Polaris Racing, Anchorage Well and Pump Service, Doug VanWingerden R&D, FXR Racing, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, Stud Boy, Shaklee Resource Center, Hatcher Pass Polaris, Walker Evans Racing, Alaska Aircraft Cylinders, Dixon Aviation, Hygear Suspension, Tracks USA, L&M Supplies Dillingham, IceAge Performance

Todd Palin

Age: 58 d From: Big Lake

Riding: Polaris Cross Country

Status: Veteran

Racing history: 1993: Finished, 1995: first Place, 1997: Finished, 1998: Finished, 2000: first Place, 2001: Finished, 2002: first Place, 2004: Finished, 2005: Finished, 2006: Finished, 2007: first Place, 2008: Finished, 2009: Finished, 2011: Finished, 2012: Finished, 2013: Finished, 2015: Finished, 2018: Finished, 2020: Finished, 2021: Finished Bio: This is Todd’s 28th Iron Dog race! He’s enjoyed four victories, four runners-up and several Top-10 finishes. Todd is a lifelong Alaskan, a commercial Salmon fisherman in Bristol Bay in his hometown of Dillingham, former BP Alaska North Slope production operator, and is Alaska’s first First Gentlemen. Todd is the proud parent of five great kids and nine grandkids: Track, Bristol, Willow, Piper, Trig, Tripp, Kyla, Sailor, Charlie, Atlee, Blaise, Banks, Anna and Pace.

Personal sponsors: Polaris Racing, Hatcher Pass Polaris, L&M Supplies, IceAge Performance, Stud Boy, Zugger Shocks

Klinton VanWingerden

Age: 42 d From: Wasilla

Riding: Polaris Matrix Cross Country Status: Veteran

Race history: 2014: Finished, 2015: Finished, 2016: Finished, 2017: Finished, 2018: Finished, 2019: Finished, 2020: Finished, 2021: Finished, 2022: Finished Bio: Racing has been a part of my family history starting with my dad and uncle racing stock cars at Capital Speedway in Willow. My brother and I got into motocross, which progressed into snowmobile racing. This will be my 10th consecutive year running this amazing race as Team Sons Of Thunder (SOT) — Irondog Team 49. Each race has presented significant challenges. I’ve learned many life lessons about the importance of perseverance, enduring struggle, working hard — all requirements for finishing the World’s Longest, Toughest, Snowmobile Race. I’m so thankful for the many people that make up this team (family, friends, sponsors). It has been our desire to run this race in a way that points everyone to the victory available through Christ Jesus, the Savior of the World. For more info on Team SOT, visit us on Facebook at: Irondog Team #49 “Sons of Thunder”

Personal sponsors: My beautiful wife and best friend, Calli; my awesome kids Reese and Miles, who push me to be better; family and friends, for your continued prayers and support!

Brad George’s 2021 race victory brings to three the number of second-generation family names with a championship title: Faeo, Davis and George. Brad George’s father, Andy George, won the race in 2006 with Dwayne Drake. Scott Faeo won the race with Eric Quam in 2015, and Cory Davis and Ryan Simons took the 2017 title. Scott’s father, John Faeo, and Cory’s father, Scott Davis, are tied with the most victories at seven each.